[GreenLantern]

I think we need to pump the brakes a bit here.

Johnny could have just held out on the Flames like a lot of college players were doing back then, and signed with whoever he wanted. Guaranteed a team would have signed him given his developmental swing upwards in the latter years of his college days. But he didn't, he signed with the Flames. I know it doesn't seem like you should pat someone on the back for signing with a team that drafted them, but again, Hi Adam Fox, among others.

Johnny also played in Calgary for 8 years, during which time he earned his UFA status. He showed up, competed, and helped elevate a team to over achieve last year and brought everyone's stats up around him.

I have no hard feelings for Johnny. I am a little surprised at the choice, but the more I think about it the more it makes sense. As others have already said, I am guessing the talks between him and Philly/Jersey broke down pretty quickly when they realized he wasn't taking a 'hometown' discount (Jersey signed Palat pretty quickly after Johnny signed with Columbus didn't they?), so he went with the next best option.

Now this last part is not a popular opinion.. and it might hurt some feelings, but Calgary is not as desirable as a city for an American born player as many would think. I mean, it is a lot easier to convince a player who grew up in St. Albert to stay in Alberta than someone who grew up in New Jersey.

Johnny is also now much closer to home, under 2 hour direct flight, versus a multi stop flight to Calgary that is triple the time if not more. He's also on the same side of the border as his family. As a big family guy I am sure that it was really hard on him when he couldn't even visit due to COVID. Furthermore, having to deal with customs both ways every time you want to see your kid/cousin/brother/friend play a hockey game. I am guessing his family was getting pretty fatigued.

Most importantly though, this is his choice. He gave Calgary 8 years of his career, 8 great years mind you. Of flashy plays and Johnny Hockey moments. There were some dips as well, but the good for me definitely out weighs the bad. He was very involved in the community and supported a lot of great local charities. He was also polite and humble to everyone he interacted with. He was not only a great player, but a great person. He earned his right to leave, this is a game of hockey that we all love but it is also a business, full of contracts. Johnny earned UFA status and he earned the right to pick where he will play in his career.