NY Times Gaudreau article. Update: response from Johnny

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by MattyC

And thus his education shouldn't matter as much? You really can't blame someone if they want to complete their degree, no matter what kind it is or what skills they have in other fields. If his parents want him to finish then fine, there's still no reason to think he won't sign with the Flames upon completion until he says otherwise.

It absolutely matters because there's more to professional hockey than just the NHL.

Gaudreau could probably come in next season and put up over a point per game in the AHL (I have little doubt of this). He has the highest NHLE of any prospect in the world right now. If he doesn't make it in the NHL due to his size, he can still have a nice long career in the AHL where he can make 6 figures annually and be among the top scorers in the league.

Will he ever break 5 figures with a communications degree?

The education argument just doesn't make sense to me, which leads me to believe there is another reason for the delay.

[TheGrimm]

Time to cut the cord Johnny.. Your mom is starting to use it like a leash!

[strombad]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

How am I overreacting?

Do my posts really warrant these disrespectful replies?

This:

Originally Posted by Ashasx

I have always strongly believed Gaudreau would sign with the Flames and that comments from people like Warrener were idiotic.

This article scares me, especially that quote. It has changed my mind.

You went from having a strong belief to believing the exact opposite based on one article.

A complete 180 in what you believe based on his mom saying "I hope he finishes school."

That would be right in line with the very definition of "overreact":

1. to react or respond more strongly than is necessary or appropriate

Nothing to see here, the only thing this should make people question is whether he signs this year or next. A lot of hand wringing for nothing.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

http://pmd.fan960.com/audio_on_deman...-Interview.mp3

Everybody should listen to this.

In an interview this morning Morganti once again stated that Gaudreau will be signing at the end of the season. Sounds like it was what I was saying and it was just "mom speak" from his mom. Morganti also alluded that Gaudreau's dad wants him to sign his contract this season as well.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

It absolutely matters because there's more to professional hockey than just the NHL.

Gaudreau could probably come in next season and put up over a point per game in the AHL (I have little doubt of this). If he doesn't make it in the NHL due to his size, he can still have a nice long career in the AHL where he can make 6 figures annually.

Will he ever break 5 figures with a communications degree?

The education argument just doesn't make sense to me, which leads me to believe there is another reason for the delay.

It's not necessarily about money. It's about being a well-rounded educated individual. You can argue the merit of a communications degree vs anything else all you want, but he would automatically be more educated than most NHL players. Sometimes people put a value on that not measured in monetary terms. Ye, he can 9and will) make a lot of money playing hockey, that doesn't mean a degree is useless. In fact, a communications degree probably gave him the freedom to explore a lot of different types of knowledge. So the situation is: he can make millions playing hockey, or he can take one more year (a tiny spec of time in the grand scheme) finish his education and then make millions of dollars playing hockey. It really doesn't seem so crazy from a parents persepctive to encourage him to finish given that he'll have a shot a career in hockey either way.

[Burke Salad]

The last line of the article states this time it will be johnny's decision, cant we take that as a positive?

[BigFlameDog]

Originally Posted by Canada 02

http://pmd.fan960.com/audio_on_deman...-Interview.mp3

jebus...nice, I missed this today.

Everyone listen to this and if you are still worried or thinking conspiracy maybe it's time to take a break.

Morganti is saying it's basically a done deal and he has never gone THAT far before.

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

Everybody should listen to this.

In an interview this morning Morganti once again stated that Gaudreau will be signing at the end of the season. Sounds like it was what I was saying and it was just "mom speak" from his mom. Morganti also alluded that Gaudreau's dad wants him to sign his contract this season as well.

Lesson to be learned here kids: ALWAYS listen to your dad.

[jroc]

If Johnny were to return for his senior year, would I be the only person that still wouldn't be worried? You know the kid can get his degree AND still sign with the Flames, right?

I'll start to get worried in July 2015 if he's not signed...

[M*A*S*H 4077]

Originally Posted by jroc

If Johnny were to return for his senior year, would I be the only person that still wouldn't be worried? You know the kid can get his degree AND still sign with the Flames, right?

I'll start to get worried in July 2015 if he's not signed...

Nope, but I'll wait until August until I start to get worried

[Coach]

Originally Posted by jroc

If Johnny were to return for his senior year, would I be the only person that still wouldn't be worried? You know the kid can get his degree AND still sign with the Flames, right?

I'll start to get worried in July 2015 if he's not signed...

Nope I wouldn't be either.

[GreenLantern2814]

Why don't we all Photoshop Gaudreau onto our own grad pictures? His mom can then choose the best one and Johnny can play for the Flames. Problem solved.

[Coach]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

Why don't we all Photoshop Gaudreau onto our own grad pictures? His mom can then choose the best one and Johnny can play for the Flames. Problem solved.

This would actually be awesome. Flood their mailbox with Calgary-based people's grad photos with Johnny's face and a note saying "Please let Johnny play".

[squiggs96]

Originally Posted by Hockeyguy15

I have to say, NCAA rules are stupid in this situation. They basically force these kids to choose to finish school, or progress their career.

I think they should be allowed to sign contracts in the senior year, but stay and finish their education.

What is the rule that states someone couldn't sign a professional contract and finish their education? Wouldn't they still be able to continue their studies, but be ineligible to play hockey for the college team? I've heard of many professional athletes that go back and finish their degree. How is this situation different? He'd likely lose his scholarship, but he'd still be able to pay for his tuition himself, especially with his signing bonus.

I'm not saying you're wrong, I just don't know where to look to find the rule.

[djsFlames]

That's great and all, but that's kind of unfair to pull the "you might be replacing someone with a wife and kids" on him in order to get him to think about a final year. That's the possibility with any kid going up to the pros. But there's probably only a handful in Abby who're in that situation, and that's where Johnny's likely to be headed, to play with a bunch of other college bachelors. The fact is the organization needs him, and to stall in a level of hockey that he has far surpassed for a little sentimental thing like a grad photo / ceremony (which can be completely easily over an off season if desired) kind of falls short in the big picture, especially when the kid has the talent and abilities to live the real dream, playing hockey at the top level. Developmentally, he's ready. That can't even be questioned. He's not even playing the same game as the other players, so the recommendation from the team is most likely that he move forward. I think in the best interest of a hockey career it's important not to stall too long. You've gotta get a taste of the next level so that you can better prepare yourself for it. He won't advance his game much, if at all for a whole year if he stays put. Plus, as mentioned before, a major will not mean a heck of a lot when you're pulling in 6 figure pay cheques.

I dunno, that's my take. Moms will always have their say, though. So..you can't help that.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by squiggs96

What is the rule that states someone couldn't sign a professional contract and finish their education? Wouldn't they still be able to continue their studies, but be ineligible to play hockey for the college team? I've heard of many professional athletes that go back and finish their degree. How is this situation different? He'd likely lose his scholarship, but he'd still be able to pay for his tuition himself, especially with his signing bonus.

I'm not saying you're wrong, I just don't know where to look to find the rule.

A year of no hockey would be horrible for a players development.

[EldrickOnIce]

Obviously he could sign and not play and finish school.
But that amounts to a year without playing hockey.
This is not a good decision, even if a pro team would allow him this option

[flambers]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Obviously he could sign and not play and finish school.
But that amounts to a year without playing hockey.
This is not a good decision, even if a pro team would allow him this option

I don't believe it works that way... if he signs his school is over.......

[Coach]

Originally Posted by EldrickOnIce

Obviously he could sign and not play and finish school.
But that amounts to a year without playing hockey.
This is not a good decision, even if a pro team would allow him this option

I think most are saying he could sign and finish courses over the summer/online. Or go back after if hockey doesn't pan out. I don't think anyone is suggesting he sign and then go back to school without playing.

[EYE_Overstand]

Why can't he complete his degree over a couple of spring/ summers?