Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
Based on all the accounts, to me, it seems like:
- Philly was the intended target, waited, no realistic moves could be made and no offer on the table
- Johnny’s side pivoted to the choices around the area which ultimately meant living in Newark or Columbus
- Calgary was still a possible destination, my speculation is that Calgary was Johnny’s second choice which is why they circled back to the Flames, but ultimately Meredith vetoed Calgary as we offer nothing for her
- Likely chose Columbus because of proximity and because they’re about to start a family and a smaller city fits their needs better. Meredith allegedly has family in the area and a really good pediatric hospital nearby for possible career aspirations
- Based everything I’ve seen though, I don’t think Johnny wanted to go to Columbus one bit. I think it was more so, Columbus fit Meredith’s needs. Think about it, Johnny didn’t, stills doesn’t know anything about the town, couldn’t name a center he would be playing with, never explored the city, only stayed in the hotel and played videos games, he hates their cannon. His presser was also very awkward and uninspired where ironically, he looked more beaten up from this UFA period than after 82 games + playoffs.
- Compare that to his Calgary post season presser where he was confident and legitimately jovial. All the questions he answered rolled off the tongue and seemed natural. I think that was the true Johnny Gaudreau and his true feelings on display.
- I think if it was just up to him, he would still be a Flame today as logically, outside of proximity, there was no good reason why he would choose Columbus over Calgary. Division winner, more money, best line in the NHL, lots of friends, legacy. All these things fit Johnny’s prerogative though, not Meredith’s. Location was the ultimate deciding factor and unfortunately, we’re just no where close to home for them.
- I’d be curious to see Meredith’s Instagram account from her time in this city, can’t be easy moving to a new city where you have no friends or family and have to basically start all over
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