After sleeping on this, this news still sucks. Gaudreau ended up becoming one of my favorite Flames of all time. Up there with Fleury and Iginla. The fact that he left for nothing stings. A couple things however.
1. I don't think this team was going anywhere in the playoffs with Johnny as their franchise player. I don't think he has it in him to elevate his game much more for the playoffs.
2. His next contract could really ugly, real fast.
Ultimately, maybe this is what's best for the team. Take the 10 million allocated to Gaudreau and give out contracts to the players that want to be here. Maybe upgrade you #2 centre position and add a top 4 defenceman.
I still think this is a damn good team and we'll still compete for the top seed in the west.
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