Quote:
Originally Posted by Mathgod
Because there really was no good reason for him to leave and refuse the offer the Flames gave him, other than maybe going home to play where his family and friends live. Turns out that was a bunch of hooey. He didn't leave for money reasons either, and he clearly didn't leave to go somewhere that had a better shot at winning a cup. So the only remaining explanation is he just simply did not like the city or team for some reason, in which case #### him.
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I just find the overreaction in here absolutely incredible. It’s like he signed with the Oilers or something. Had he picked New Jersey, nobody would’ve batted an eye, but he goes and picks Columbus instead and everyone loses their mind. Maybe it’s just me, but I was completely indifferent on where he wanted to play, whether it be the Islanders, NJ, Columbus, like who cares, it’s not here. All those other teams are in the same position, they all stink, they’re all rebuilding, they’re all a drive away.
I don’t know what the exact reasoning for his choice is, but ultimately, we already knew he was willing to accept less money where ever he went because it was a decision to be closer to family, which he is now. Columbus plays in the eastern time zone, so now his family doesn’t have to stay up late to watch him play. He’s also a drive away now instead of a plane ride away.
Regardless, I don’t think it had anything to do with the team. There was no slight here. He loved the team, loved the fans, loved the city and etc. Calgary ultimately was just too far out west. That’s what it came down to IMO. Maybe it was as simple as a Philly kid like Johnny didn’t want to play for a hated rival. I don’t know, whatever it was, he wasn’t coming back up north of the border, so again, it doesn’t make a difference to me where he ended because it wasn’t going to be here.