[Signing] Gaudreau to Columbus (7 x $9.75 million)

[Barnet Flame]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

I understand people are upset, but I don't understand the knee jerk character assassination.

I strongly defended Gaudreau’s decision to test the market.

With hindsight, I strongly believe I was wrong.

He was deceptive throughout, and he has inflicted severe damage on this team and the strategy it could’ve pursued had he just been upfront.

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by Mathgod

It's been a difficult 48 hours. Last night I posted quite a number of things that were way over the top and unnecessary. I've since removed those comments from my posts (though they may still appear quoted in others' posts) and I sincerely apologize for my obnoxiousness.

At the end of the day, just remember that the wise words of the Great Ilya Bryzgalov.

[Abstract]

As some of the CPHL contingent here know, I'm from Scotland. I was at day one of The Open today through my employer and there were quite a few people from in and around the NHL in the hospitality zones.

General consensus seemed to be that Jonny absolutely thought he was going to be a Flyer and the Lindblom buyout only reinforced that. Someone actually said teams were so convinced it was a done deal for him to go there that they didn't even seriously look at getting him. Sounds like CBJ was a bit of a panic signing when his day didn't go as planned.

Some of his comments in the presser certainly suggest he had no intention of staying in Calgary but I don't believe he intended to end up in Columbus.

[memphusk]

So in which sense did it not pan out? He didn't want to wait and get stuck with less dough, or did Philadelphia even want him?

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by GS Skier

Exactly why would he not get the Tavares treatment? I think the seat paying fans who are unhappy with this should display the same loyalty to Johnny mommas boy as he has to his former fans and the city.

When the "Tribute" goes on fans can choose to turn their backs on him the same way he did us. I expect lots of Boos because people love a villian, they love to boo Fox and everyone likes to boo Bettman.

He made his bed he can sleep in it. He owes us nothing we owe him nothing either.

I think this forum is incredibly passionate, and a good amount feel betrayed by him, but I don't know if the majority of the fanbase, and those who would attend games that he left the Flames on a really sour note.

He did provided great moments for this franchise during his time here, and he exercised his right fully by going wherever he wanted as a UFA.

I don't hold any ill will towards him. This is once again another case of Brad/Flames not knowing how to manage their assets approirately. They gave far too much control to the players, and end up having them leave empty handed.

I sincerely hope that this latest example is the one that finally makes them learn their lesson, and become a lot more business-minded, where they ensure they get at least get something from assets that may not stick around for the long term.

[GullFoss]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Leaving this here:

“Calgary has been a second home to me,” Gaudreau said. “I love playing there. I love my teammates there. I love the city. The fans are awesome. It’s a team that I could see myself playing for for the remainder of my career, and I’ve always said that. I know a lot of people have speculations of me wanting to go back east, but I just feel really comfortable where I’m at — with the teammates there, the coaching staff, with Brad (Treliving), the management, the owners …
…

“Throughout my whole time there, I’ve been treated really well. I love the city. It’s been a blast playing there the past six years. It’s unfortunate we haven’t reached the end-goal that we’ve wanted in the past, but it’s been a second home to me. My family loves it there. My girlfriend likes being there. It’s a special place for us.”

Notice how this is said
I LOVE the city
My family LOVES it here
My girlfriend "likes" being there

Notice how the below is also singular:
I could see myself playing there
It's a second home to ME


Now see the below

https://twitter.com/user/status/1547635912238018562

"But in talking to my family and talking to Meredith, it was the right move for US."


It's pretty obvious.

[Jordan!]

Originally Posted by GullFoss

Notice how this is said
I LOVE the city
My family LOVES it here
My girlfriend "likes" being there

Notice how the below is also singular:
I could see myself playing there
It's a second home to ME

Any other wives want out of Calgary? Candice Cameron Bure?

[johnnyhockey13]

So I just ran into Johnny’s moms best friend at a all inclusive in punta cana. ( I know this is my first post but I am a avid reader of the forum on a daily basis). There group asked my group where I was from and I said Calgary. They all responded you must be heart broken with ur hockey team. Then it clicked they are from New Jersey. I was told that his first choice was Philly but they didn’t move the players in order to sign him which we all know. Second was the devils but apparently they were not offering a no movement clause. The reason why he settled on Columbus was his wife has a lot of family there and the whole cbj having a good children hospital. They also told me that she is not planing to work anymore which makes sense lol. It makes worse knowing that. Basically him having a kid and his family being close to him was the decision. I still agree with the vast majority of everyone that has responded, the situation should of been handled better. They also agreed with me as I said that. I did share a typical flames fans opinion. This was gods plan haha.

[Tbull8]

I wonder how this is going to sit with some of the other players. Especially those that are signed for longer term (Coleman, Markstrom, Tanev, even Hanifin and Ras). I'd feel pretty slighted if I were them

[troutman]

Originally Posted by d_phaneuf

Its columbus... are there views?

I went back to Ohio
But my pretty countryside
Had been paved down the middle
By a government that had no pride

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by memphusk

So in which sense did it not pan out? He didn't want to wait and get stuck with less dough, or did Philadelphia even want him?

Philly specifically told the press they were out of the running because of cap issues. So I'm guessing they wanted him, but couldn't find a taker for JVR.

After that, as Abstract suggests, it was a mad scramble for the nearest exit, which turned out to be the road to Columbus.



Now, a couple of late musings:

1. I really do believe Gaudreau was on the fence until quite late, and his saying his mind was made up earlier is just PR fluff for his new organization in Ohio. If he really decided earlier, it would open him up to conversations like this:

‘Hey, Johnny. You knew you were leaving Calgary for some time, right?’

‘Yeah, that’s right.’

‘So why did you keep your agent negotiating right up until July 12 on a deal you knew you would never sign?’

‘…’

2. All the talk about the children's hospital in Columbus is a red herring. Here's a conversation I guarantee never happened:

‘Hey there, Meredith! Nationwide Children's Hospital here. We just heard that you are the absolute greatest inexperienced pediatric nurse ever, and we have got to get you down here to work for us! But you have to accept our offer within 48 hours or it's off the table, because as much as we love you, we won't still love you on Thursday.’

‘Wow, that's great! By a totally wild coincidence, my husband is a free agent in the next 48 hours. He can move anywhere he wants, provided he can get an NHL contract.’

‘All right, just tell him he's only allowed to sign with Columbus, no matter how many millions he gives up or what it does to his career.’

‘Will do, guys! Because I'm the only important one in this family!’

I mean, really. A quick Google search reveals twenty-seven children's hospitals in the greater NYC area, some of them world-renowned. (Some, it's true, are major pediatric facilities associated with general hospitals, but I think that still counts for the purpose.) Does anyone expect people to believe that Meredith's career required her husband to sign with Columbus instead of accepting the offer from New Jersey?

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Infinit47

I completely agree with you. I just think those are the reasons he went to the Blue Jackets, not because of Nationwide Children's Hospital.

And to be fair, every player has that right when they are a UFA, and I'm sure guys pick teams all the time for personal reasons.

But the way he did it has basically tarnished his reputation, and I will be SHOCKED if it doesn't follow him along the rest of his career.

No way other teams are not looking at this and thinking screw that guy, he's not a guy I want to build a winning culture around. May not ever come to that, but at some point things may change.

[Barnet Flame]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

As much as I’m pissed off right now I’ve decided that I don’t want our fans to boo him and give him the Tavares treatment. That was embarrassing.

Let’s just accept his decision and move on. There’s plenty of players here willing and wanting to be here. Let’s celebrate them. Not everyone wants to live in Calgary. Unfortunately sometimes those people also happen to be good hockey players.

So let’s not boo him. Let’s not be babies about it. Let’s just move on. He’s already tanked his legacy here. It’s over. That’s enough for me.

I agree, but that said, his tribute would be an ideal time to go for a piss or a beer.

[foshizzle11]

Originally Posted by Barnet Flame

I strongly defended Gaudreau’s decision to test the market.

With hindsight, I strongly believe I was wrong.

He was deceptive throughout, and he has inflicted severe damage on this team and the strategy it could’ve pursued had he just been upfront.

I 100% agree, he was just in an interview in Columbus and stated he didn't make the decision to go back to Calgary until 11pm the night before free agency.

I was wrong too, what is coming out of his mouth makes little sense.

Goes on to say how he has never been to Columbus besides the few times a season he has played there...

you are dead to me John.

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by Tbull8

I wonder how this is going to sit with some of the other players. Especially those that are signed for longer term (Coleman, Markstrom, Tanev, even Hanifin and Ras). I'd feel pretty slighted if I were them

Oh I'm sure therell be ways to convey that message back to him on the ice.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by johnnyhockey13

So I just ran into Johnny’s moms best friend at a all inclusive in punta cana. ( I know this is my first post but I am a avid reader of the forum on a daily basis). There group asked my group where I was from and I said Calgary. They all responded you must be heart broken with ur hockey team. Then it clicked they are from New Jersey. I was told that his first choice was Philly but they didn’t move the players in order to sign him which we all know. Second was the devils but apparently they were not offering a no movement clause. The reason why he settled on Columbus was his wife has a lot of family there and the whole cbj having a good children hospital. They also told me that she is not planing to work anymore which makes sense lol. It makes worse knowing that. Basically him having a kid and his family being close to him was the decision. I still agree with the vast majority of everyone that has responded, the situation should of been handled better. They also agreed with me as I said that. I did share a typical flames fans opinion. This was gods plan haha.

This poster is Drake

[Major Major]

Hey, I want to be a champion and set franchise records. I want to play hockey with my bros and finish the thing we started, you know, attempting to be the best in the world at what we do to the adulation of an adoring public that has treated my family like royalty for 10 years.

Oh ya, well I want to live by my aunt.

Compromise

[GullFoss]

Anyone else famous on this forum? I'm pretty sure CalgARI is Ari Gold from entourage

[GullFoss]

Originally Posted by Major Major

Hey, I want to be a champion and set franchise records. I want to play hockey with my bros and finish the thing we started, you know, attempting to be the best in the world at what we do to the adulation of an adoring public that has treated my family like royalty for 10 years.

Oh ya, well I want to live by my aunt.

Compromise

Technically his aunt in-law

[flamesrule_kipper34]

Nm.