Friedman: Gaudreau negotiations will be put on hold during World Cup

[sureLoss]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/world...-nhl-contract/

As the World Cup of Hockey announced its jersey sponsorships and Fan Village location on Wednesday, one of its competitors confirmed his intention to play.

There’s some question about unsigned free agents — Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Jacob Trouba, for example — and whether or not they will compete without new contracts. According to a couple of sources, Gaudreau confirmed he will do so earlier this week.

Players can purchase extra insurance to cover themselves and it’s believed he did so.

Adding an extra layer to the story, word is the Calgary Flames were told Gaudreau does not wish to negotiate after his World Cup arrival, scheduled for Sept. 4, preferring to concentrate on the games. That moratorium would last for the duration of the event, which would be Oct. 1 if the final goes a full three games.

Gaudreau’s agent, Lewis Gross, declined to comment. Neither would Flames GM Brad Treliving.

In theory, that puts pressure on Calgary to get something done beforehand, since the NHL season opens Oct. 12. But the Flames have been consistent in their belief a deal will close and that apparently hasn’t changed.

[devo22]

I just read "Gaudreau won't" and had a mini heart attack. Thanks for that.

[Finger Cookin]

Wait for it...

[TheScorpion]

Awesome.

[saillias]

Hey remember when Johnny was like "lol I ignore those contract negotiations entirely and let agent handle it idk money and stuff"

[Robbob]

Perfect. This is exactly what was needed (from the fans perspective). A line has finally been drawn in the sand and now they can negotiate with that deadline in mind. I figured the first pseudo deadline would be the worlds.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by saillias

Hey remember when Johnny was like "lol I ignore those contract negotiations entirely and let agent handle it idk money and stuff"

To me it seems more like the agent, and not JG himself, trying to put pressure for the Flames to cave and get something done.

[sureLoss]

Yes, does anyone think this is a coincidence that this comes out the day after Burke took a hardline stance on TSN?

[polak]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

Yes, does anyone think this is a coincidence that this comes out the day after Burke took a hardline stance on TSN?

I hope this is just a coincidence... some how....

If they're resorting to posturing in the media that's not a good sign.

[CroFlames]

IMO it's not a good sign that both the Flames org and Johnny's agent have now spoke to the media about the negotiation.

To me, it's clear they are trying to pressure the other side with media coverage.

I'm about at the halfway mark to panicking.

[TheScorpion]

I hate holdouts.

I really, really hope this doesn't drag on into October. I don't think it will, but you never know.

[GreenLantern2814]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

IMO it's not a good sign that both the Flames org and Johnny's agent have now spoke to the media about the negotiation.

To me, it's clear they are trying to pressure the other side with media coverage.

I'm about at the halfway mark to panicking.

If Treliving says they're close and the agent leaks this, that tells me they are in fact close and Johnny wants this done.

Gaudreau would be getting historically bad advice if his agent were telling him to go play in the World Cup without a contract done, I don't care how much he's insured for.

[bubbsy]

Yup. This ain't good.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Originally Posted by TheScorpion

I hate holdouts.

I really, really hope this doesn't drag on into October. I don't think it will, but you never know.

The Flames know they are dead in the water without Gaudreau, no way he misses any regular season games imo, not when the playoff races are so tight. We can't afford an October like last year and BT knows it.

[Racki]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

Gaudreau would be getting historically bad advice if his agent were telling him to go play in the World Cup without a contract done, I don't care how much he's insured for.

Absolutely right. I'm pretty sure he's not insured for 50-60 million dollars, the potential sum of his long term deal with the Flames.

[Machiavelli]

Well then he just has to sign before the World Cup

[AC]

Seems like a bluff to suggest he'd risk injury while playing in a high-intensity tournament without an NHL contract.

[CroFlames]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern2814

If Treliving says they're close and the agent leaks this, that tells me they are in fact close and Johnny wants this done.

Gaudreau would be getting historically bad advice if his agent were telling him to go play in the World Cup without a contract done, I don't care how much he's insured for.

Why did he purchase insurance for himself then? A negotiate tactic?

I'm not full on panicking, but wtf Flames and Johnny? Make a deal, sheesh.

[EVERLAST]

How is this crap happening ? We've lost great players before as a result of this kind of stuff.

I hate reading into things but wow this doesn't seem good at all....is Burke somehow calling the shots here for Brad to play hardball with JG.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by AC

Seems like a bluff to suggest he'd risk injury while playing in a high-intensity tournament without an NHL contract.

I have a feeling the World Cup is going to be closer to an All Star game than the Olympics on the intensity spectrum.