At least its a more authentic answer then the PR drivel we got from Gaudreau. "I wanted to be closer to home". Then why didn't you go to a team close to home? The real answer: "I cared more about getting out of a big market then I did about money, winning, or moving home."
Its still a lot of PR baloney though. It was time for a change? Every player that initiates a move is looking for a change. You can't get much more generic then that. Besides, he was planning his exit when he signed his contract. Its why it expires the same seasons as Gaudreau's and its why the salary was structured the way it was.
He is also getting too much credit for 'helping the Flames'. His agreement to sign an 8-year 76 million dollar contract on one of his short list of teams isn't exactly selfless. An offer sheet could be matched and his value could very well have dropped if he waited a year. The only way to get year 8 was via a sign and trade, and that required cooperation. It was in his best interest to do what he did. Just like it was in his best interest to hold out last negotiation to get his exit friendly contract.
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