Tkachuk planned his exit when he signed that deal three of four years ago. He even alludes to it in his interview. Something along the lines of signing it with the intentions of setting himself for this very scenario. He was leaving regardless of season outcome and coach. I don't think he ever wanted to stay. No ill will that is his right and honestly I think the Flames made out just fine in the end.
Gaudreau? Honestly don't care. My gut says he ####ed up and took what he could but I don't think he ages well on that contract so glad we are not saddled with it. And it was his right to move along. No ill will there as well. He was a great and entertaining Flame while he was here. Good enough for me.
Gudbranson took the money and ran. No way the Flames or anyone else for that matter were giving him that kind of money and term. Loved the guy here but man that is a big risk to ask for a mediocre defenseman. I take nothing away from his time here as he was a great Flame but I am glad we dodged that contract.
Sutter is tough to play for there are no doubts about that. But the guy has won everywhere he has coached and that trumps all. I like him and hope he signs an extension to stay on for a year or two more. He's honest, maybe a little too brutally so but he wants you and the team to succeed and tells you what he thinks you need to hear to get there. Some players can except that and others cannot.
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