Seravalli: Gaudreau has informed the Flames he will not return

[DiracSpike]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

A forward looking GM with good owners would have traded him before his NTC kicked in.

An even better GM would have never given out such a bad NTC in the first place so that the team would have more options.

Sure, and I was saying we should see what we could get from him last summer so I'm sympathetic to that view but the larger context was you had a team at the pinnacle of their rebuild they had invested a lot in. Some factors that could make them a better team than they were, new high level coach and a settled in goalie, fans back in stands. Who knows what they would have got for him, one year of a flight risk player doesn't get you what people think. Who knows what Johnny was telling them. It was the most logical course of action to start the season with him and see what happens. If the team stinks you can still trade JG at the deadline for not much less than the offseason because teams actually know who the contenders are at that point that would be in the market for a pure rental. And if you're good then you can see how far your star can take you and try to hope to re-sign him. It was the smart move, it's really easy to say now they should have traded him for whomever in the offseason. If Gaudreau had put up 115 with some other team after being with them the whole season while the Flames missed the playoffs you guys would be calling for BT's head all the same. Sometimes, some situations are just unwinnable.

[Jiggy_12]

The “family decision” makes total sense and I respect it…had it been made a week ago.

Selfish act by the player to take this to the deadline. No respect for the team or his UFA/RFA teammates who’s fates hung in the balance of John’s decision

[chedder]

Originally Posted by CSharp

Still legit if Tre can pull it off. At least try to get something back. All Johnny would do is name his 3 - 4 teams and Tre broadcasts within the remain time left. Worse comes to worst - it's a Mexican standoff between the teams. Best possible outcome is the Flames get at least a first round pick.

We all know Treliving isn't this savvy.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by calgARI

I bet the Flames win the division next year.

I bet the Flames do not win the division next year.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by calgARI

I bet the Flames win the division next year.

I'll take that bet.

[VilleN]

Originally Posted by Cecil Terwilliger

Tre should, have just forced him to sign. Going UFA is ####ing standard for star players.

Except it’s not. What star player doesn’t have an NTC?

[Cycling76er]

Originally Posted by EVERLAST

You watch. Tkachuk will now become the schmarmiest, most condescending this is the way we do things.
He can go too. Seriously.

I'm pretty pissed that we had the opportunity to trade for the 2nd overall and, I assume, some good assets. I'm sure the thought process was either Johnny would bolt for certain after that or.....


OR....

Johnny's off to NJD and he wouldn't want Tkachuk there or the loss of assets from the trade.

Far fetched I know. I really hope it's a sign him and trade him this year. He's good but he's not an 8x10 player or whatever we might offer him. I've never felt he'd be loyal to this team and Johnny leaving would only embolden him to #### off once he's done a 1 year deal.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Jagermeister

Not the best news today about Johnny. I was really hoping the team would be able to keep him and trade Tkachuck. I'm not sure what direction the team goes now...

.

I personally don't believe Tkachuk will resign a lengthy contract with the Flames.

With Gaudreau gone, they now have major issues with their lineup

Defense and top line forward

This is the next item to focus on, will take awhile before a decision is made

[DiracSpike]

Originally Posted by CSharp

Still legit if Tre can pull it off. At least try to get something back. All Johnny would do is name his 3 - 4 teams and Tre broadcasts within the remain time left. Worse comes to worst - it's a Mexican standoff between the teams. Best possible outcome is the Flames get at least a first round pick.

No wonder you guys are mad if you thought Treliving could get a first round pick for two weeks of exclusive negotiating rights. There's no way in hell anyone would actually do that though.

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

I hate thinking this way, but I wonder if we have to be more ruthless with the US-born players.

[The Yen Man]

Yah, it sucks right now. But hey, I've followed Johnny since he was drafted. I'll still be cheering for him if he's in New Jersey. Still will wear my Flames Gaudreau jersey.

[rhino]

Originally Posted by Flamesfan05

The Flames just let one walk

No the did not let him walk, he chose to leave. Letting him walk would have been no offer

[Murph]

I’m probably reading too much into the tone, but listening to the presser, Treliving sounds defeated. Combine that with his response to the question on what they are going to do tomorrow, I think he is resigned to the fact a rebuild is coming.

Whether or not the defeat I hear in his voice comes from a belief he won’t be executing that rebuild, or it’s disappointment that Johnny made the decision he did, well…

[RedHawk12]

If fans would have rather had three magic beans like the ones we got for Iginla in exchange for Johnny last summer, then yeah, I guess go ahead and fire Treliving for screwing this one up.

[GullFoss]

Originally Posted by Royle9

"Franchise" players almost never go UFA in their Prime, so good luck finding a Franchise center available.

The only way that happens is via tank/draft and the Flames probably wont do that.

Dubois could be available at 25 years-old.

[CF84]

John is gone...I know I won't be able to cheer for him when he plays his next game in Calgary. After seeing his agent's tweet, he definitely strung Calgary along and used the Flames to boost his value...and that hurts as a Flames fan. Hopefully the mediocrity leaves with him and follows him to his new team.


I won't boo him, but I sure won't be able to cheer for him either.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Any Oilers filth in here for salt are losers.

Today, you can go away.

They would have been in here saying the contract was terrible if he had signed too

[Royle9]

I'm also now worried about Coronato.
With Johnny gone and Matthew likely next, what does that say to the next big American name in the pipe.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

Dubois could be available at 25 years-old.

...franchise player?

[cannon7]

Originally Posted by Geeoff

*please don't replace Johnny with Evander Kane*

How about Patrick Kane?