Quote:
Originally Posted by powderjunkie
Reports? I've been asking and searching but haven't found anything beyond the single post on CP, which respectfully should be considered a 'rumour'. FWIW I believe the poster was given that story, I'm just not sure how accurately it has passed from person to person [to person? to person? etc], and even the OP acknowledges the likely Flames bias in the post.
I'd also reiterate that Steinberg and Francis made it clear that neither attempted to contact Gaudreau's side (except for 1 question in a presser). Balanced insiders reach out in all directions for comment (or no comment) to piece together a puzzle. With enough corroboration they'll report; if they can't get it 'reportable' but believe it to be true they'll often speculate it or put it out with careful caveats...AFAIK we haven't really seen anything beyond "Flames believed it was going to get done", which is a big leap away from renegged.
It really is fascinating to watch this rumour spread with wildfire; no shade on anyone, it's kinda neat to see how people think they've seen multiple reports when they probably actually haven't. I'm sure I've been guilty of this many times myself.
|
Yes, I think it's fair to say reports. Steinberg and Francis both said they know for a fact the Flames believed a deal was confirmed, and they didn't seem to be relaying the same information/source.
Friedman on 32 Thoughts: "I can say this. The Flames believed there was a point it was going to get done. And I can tell you that other teams believed it was going to get done."
Sure, nothing is concrete because none of these people were involved in the negotiations. But hearing Steinberg and Francis both adamantly state they know for a fact that the contract was imminent is extremely damning, because their sources are obviously going to be people within the Flames management group.