It really does sound like Johnny was truly torn by this decision, also sounds like the family was as surprised as the rest of us that it’s Columbus in the end. (Not going to name names specifically but found myself in a random conversation with somebody close to the family last night)
I really think this came down to Johnny really wanting Philly, and when that didn’t work out he just took the best offer that was in the East and closer to home, where he’s had some friends play and really like it.
In the end it wasn’t like he left for money, he was still true to what he said that it was a family decision to test free agency, and if he felt Columbus was the best fit for him then that’s good for him.
The real issue here was that Gross and Treliving should have probably both handled this differently. My gut is still that Johnny Gaudreau is disappointed he’s not a Philadelphia Flyer this morning, and if his agent and Treliving had worked this differently there is probably a scenario where he’s there and a piece (Konency, Provorov, JVR+2nd) was back to Calgary on the cheap to help them clear the cap.
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