Seravalli: Gaudreau has informed the Flames he will not return

[CGY12]

Don't blame Johnny one bit. Wish him the best. This fail is on management and nobody else.

[Scornfire]

Whole team can go tbh. No faith after they lost a game where mike smith let in a full court shot ffs

[kyuss275]

He might not have known by the draft but my gut is telling me that he knew for the last couple of days and that gross was only negotiating with flames to show rest of market what Johnny was giving up. Gotta feeling he signs for less tomorrow without the extra year. Hope I’m wrong

[Flamenfame]

Originally Posted by Krovikan

Johnny didn't use the NCAA loophole and he gave us years of enjoyment, the guy wants to play closer to his family.

I wish him nothing but the best!!!

He did not even know if he would make the NHL at that time a small winger drafted 4th round

[AT77]

Originally Posted by Saqe

Has there been an update on who the other players were that wanted out if Johnny doesn't sign?

Toffoli, hopefully.

[cannon7]

Originally Posted by Burnaby Joe

It’s pretty hard to compete with some US markets…. The state tax in NJ is 6.6%, that’s way cheaper than Alberta. He may get less per season but he will net more elsewhere……

And NJ is the most taxed state in the union...

[CalgaryFan1988]

If Gaudreau leaves money on the table to be close to family, I respect that. I don't have to like it, but I do respect it. Family comes first and happy wife, happy life.

[Boreal]

Originally Posted by Angelino

Flames need to rebuild but Treliving isn’t the GM to do it. Flames are f’ed anyway they go from here with a GM of Treliving’s ability. Biggest blow to Flames franchise in decades.

Bring on the brainless takes.

[JohnnyB]

If Tkachuk accepts his QO to head for free agency next year, there is no way this doesn't look like a disaster of epic proportions for Treliving.

[Swayze11]

Am I the only one confused? There is a giant difference between “Johnny will test free agency” and “Johnny has informed the Flames he will not be returning”

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by transplant99

He is 24 years old.

People were flipping out that the Hawks would trade Debrincat since they are rebuilding.

They are almost the exact same age. Tkachuk was far more productive, yet people want him traded.

I just do not get it at all.

Because all he has to do is accept his qualifying offer (which I expect he will, because this franchise is mediocre at best without Gaudreau) and then walk as a UFA. So you trade him before he is UFA to get something. What's not to get?

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by dino7c

It does seem like he used the Flames to get his money elsewhere

Of course he did.

SOP for every single UFA ever....some just choose to stay for less.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Gaskal

It's all good. Everyone's high-strung right now and I feel bad for Team Positivity atm. And dissentowner was the captain.

I kind of feel bad for guys like Coleman that committed long term with the Flames a year ago only to see their best player walk. I imagine Backlund, Lindholm, Markstrom, Tanev, etc realize it's a business but also know it hurts their chances of winning in Calgary. It's a bit of a downer but the sun will rise tomorrow and a new era of Flames hockey will begin.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Originally Posted by transplant99

He is 24 years old.

People were flipping out that the Hawks would trade Debrincat since they are rebuilding.

They are almost the exact same age. Tkachuk was far more productive, yet people want him traded.

I just do not get it at all.

He's a year away from being a free agent. After today, you really don't get it?

[Aarongavey]

Originally Posted by Flamenfame

He did not even know if he would make the NHL at that time a small winger drafted 4th round

Ya he was probably real unsure whether he would make the NHL after putting up 2 points per game in his third year at college and winning the Hobey Baker.

[Poe969]

It's funny though, anyone who predicted this would happen was criticized and called "Debbie Downer" or made fun of.

This team needs to be run like a business if it wants to succeed.

[Macman]

Wow, not completely surprised but it still stings. This is the reality of free agency, sometimes it doesn’t go the way you want. Johnny’s a good player and will have success wherever he goes.

He’s one player though, the Flames are still a pretty good team and now with some cap space.

I have to believe they will give a lot of it to Tkachuk now as well as the C, he will deliver us the cup!

[AT77]

Originally Posted by Swayze11

Am I the only one confused? There is a giant difference between “Johnny will test free agency” and “Johnny has informed the Flames he will not be returning”

Go back and read the first post my man lol.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by keenan87

I am okay with signing Tkachuk long-term and making him the captain. However, he should be traded if not signed before the start of the season.

I also hope they can trade Lucic and Monahan.

If not rebuilding, I hope they at least re-tool.

Monny cannot be traded without attaching serious draft capital to him.

[browna]

When he signed his deal 6 years ago, this was (if true) the most likely outcome and we all knew it back then.

Hell, when it was touch and go to have him forego his senior college year and Conroy went out there to visit with a hard sell, you also figured his time as a Flame would've been this long before going east. If Conroy didn't finish that job that weekend he would've never been a Flame at all IMO.


Still sucks, the most natural skill we have had in a long time and a guy that could turn the game around.

Lots of highlights but let's wait until he signs somewhere else to be sure, before else first before the final epitaph.