Matthew Tkachuk & Johnny Gaudreau Signing Watch Thread

[howard_the_duck]

To me the Flyers situation, despite not immediately having a competitive roster, spells trouble.

• Leadership that's been given carte blanche to spend and win now and be extremely aggressive.
  
• A new coach that is known to push his superstars, which may deter some players but Johnny's responded well to historically (his dad said as much).
  
• A player that puts the BS aside and his interests first, as evidenced by the abrupt end to his holdout in his last contract because he 'wanted to play'.
  
• A team he grew up cheering for.
  
• Life and family circumstances that are a major draw to be back in Philly.

I think the Flyers are the only legitimate threat to luring Johnny away, for the reasons above.

[powderjunkie]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

But isn't the point "there's a team that Johnny will want because they are going to be good with him"? And can't you say the same about Calgary, who also has a distinct goalie advantage (including Wolf). And also JG knows he has chemistry with Lindholm and Tkachuk (and also Monahan when he's healthy) versus just guessing with Hughes/Hischier. He also knows he has a Selke quality linemate in Lindholm.

Those guys were also on his team last season (and everyone except Markstrom the year before). I think he's well aware that success is no more guaranteed here than most of his other options.

I do wonder how well he got along with Dougie? It's kinda hard to imagine Johnny having a really sour relationship with anyone, but it seems like there was some tension when he was here, but that was true of most of the guys on that team except Hamonic/Smith/Tkachuk, who are each in different age ranges.

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

He ain’t getting that if he leaves

Sure he will - he's played 25 more games than Nieuwendyk (though 24 fewer playoff games). And he'll be leaving on better terms than Joe.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

But isn't the point "there's a team that Johnny will want because they are going to be good with him"? And can't you say the same about Calgary, who also has a distinct goalie advantage (including Wolf). And also JG knows he has chemistry with Lindholm and Tkachuk (and also Monahan when he's healthy) versus just guessing with Hughes/Hischier. He also knows he has a Selke quality linemate in Lindholm.

All nice points, but largely irrelevant if he wants to play in the eastern US at the end of the day.

I'd be shocked if Johnny couldn't have chemistry with pretty much anyone. Players like him and Patrick Kane can shine up the dullest light bulb.

[Vinny01]

I am not shocked there is no deal or very little info so far. I don’t believe the Flames have tabled their best offer as I believe if Johnny signs it likely will be closer to free agency.

Johnny going to the Flyers, Devils, Bruins, or a NY team was a fear many of us had for long periods of time over the past 6 years. It wasn’t until last offseason I started to get hope he was willing to stay.

The money is big but when you have made over $40M already and will make another $65-$85M before you are 36 (potentially another contract could be signed if he continues to produce) getting to pick where you play could be as important as the extra $10M being left on the table. It is tough to leave that kind of money on the table but he already has accumulated generational wealth.

The other factor is potential for more sponsorships and endorsements being a US born player playing in a big US market. He can sim higher than Hope Street property management if he decides to head for a major US market.

I hope we don’t have to find out but I am really curious on how the Flames pivot if Johnny walks. Do they just sign Chucky, Mangiapane and Kylington and run it back without our best player? Johnny leaving makes it easier to sign the other 3 but weakens the team significantly

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

All nice points, but largely irrelevant if he wants to play in the eastern US at the end of the day.

I'd be shocked if Johnny couldn't have chemistry with pretty much anyone. Players like him and Patrick Kane can shine up the dullest light bulb.

Yes, I think everyone agrees if he really wants to live in the east he can/. I’m responding to the arguments hypothesizing about the team makeup and his choices.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

I am not shocked there is no deal or very little info so far. I don’t believe the Flames have tabled their best offer as I believe if Johnny signs it likely will be closer to free agency.

Johnny going to the Flyers, Devils, Bruins, or a NY team was a fear many of us had for long periods of time over the past 6 years. It wasn’t until last offseason I started to get hope he was willing to stay.

The money is big but when you have made over $40M already and will make another $65-$85M before you are 36 (potentially another contract could be signed if he continues to produce) getting to pick where you play could be as important as the extra $10M being left on the table. It is tough to leave that kind of money on the table but he already has accumulated generational wealth.

The other factor is potential for more sponsorships and endorsements being a US born player playing in a big US market. He can sim higher than Hope Street property management if he decides to head for a major US market.

I hope we don’t have to find out but I am really curious on how the Flames pivot if Johnny walks. Do they just sign Chucky, Mangiapane and Kylington and run it back without our best player? Johnny leaving makes it easier to sign the other 3 but weakens the team significantly

Endorsements in the NHL are really not a factor. Even for US born players in a US market. He could get Philly ads maybe. The biggest endorsement recipient has been Ovie and that’s mainly because of his personality (I also expect he’s seen that dry up because of Russia). McDavid makes a fair bit. But all with equipment makers so that money is there no matter where you play.

[Knut]

^ He just needs to find a local Property Management company and sing a jingle to rake in the big bucks in Philadelphia.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Knut

^ He just needs to find a local Property Management company and sing a jingle to rake in the big bucks in Philadelphia.

Oddly, not the worst commercial ever made by a Flame.

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Knut

^ He just needs to find a local Property Management company and sing a jingle to rake in the big bucks in Philadelphia.

There could be thousands in that. Thousands! He could pay for his own personal stick tape!

Last October, Forbes did its annual roundup of the highest-paid NHL players. Of their top 10, only five had ‘off-ice income’ (including endorsements) of $1 million or more. Those five were McDavid, Matthews, Price, Marner, and Crosby. The five who didn't were Erik Karlsson, Panarin, Seguin, Kucherov, and Bobrovsky. None of the players listed made more than $4 million in off-ice income.

You'll notice that four out of the five with $1 million or more in off-ice income played for Canadian teams, whereas all five of those who made less played for U.S. teams.

The idea that playing for a big U.S. market helps you earn more in endorsement income is simply wrong. Getting a hockey star to endorse your product is a big deal in Canada, but means nothing to the vast majority of consumers in the U.S.

[powderjunkie]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

The idea that playing for a big U.S. market helps you earn more in endorsement income is simply wrong. Getting a hockey star to endorse your product is a big deal in Canada, but means nothing to the vast majority of consumers in the U.S.

Hey now, I can imagine some good ads highlighting the size discrepancy between him and the Eagle's 3rd string Left Tackle.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by howard_the_duck

To me the Flyers situation, despite not immediately having a competitive roster, spells trouble.

• Leadership that's been given carte blanche to spend and win now and be extremely aggressive.
  
• A new coach that is known to push his superstars, which may deter some players but Johnny's responded well to historically (his dad said as much).
  
• A player that puts the BS aside and his interests first, as evidenced by the abrupt end to his holdout in his last contract because he 'wanted to play'.
  
• A team he grew up cheering for.
  
• Life and family circumstances that are a major draw to be back in Philly.

I think the Flyers are the only legitimate threat to luring Johnny away, for the reasons above.

I expect there are a number of teams that Johnny would be willing to play for. Philly is likely not the only threat.

[Vinny01]

I think Johnny enters a far greater national spotlight if he goes to the North East US. Games on ESPN and TNT far more likely if he is a Devil than a Flame. His 115pts were the highest by a US born player in decades and he wasn’t a top 3 for the Hart. Less travel, same time zone as family, close to family and friends are all very appealing.


On the flip side if he stays in Calgary he is the most famous person in the city who will be beloved as a franchise icon. He will likely lead the franchise in points, games played and his number will be in the rafters. The team is coming off a great year and if he stays they should be a top team again. He is comfortable here and does seem to have a great connection with the city.

Hopefully it comes down to money because the Flames should be able to offer the most with the 8th year

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

There could be thousands in that. Thousands! He could pay for his own personal stick tape!

Last October, Forbes did its annual roundup of the highest-paid NHL players. Of their top 10, only five had ‘off-ice income’ (including endorsements) of $1 million or more. Those five were McDavid, Matthews, Price, Marner, and Crosby. The five who didn't were Erik Karlsson, Panarin, Seguin, Kucherov, and Bobrovsky. None of the players listed made more than $4 million in off-ice income.

You'll notice that four out of the five with $1 million or more in off-ice income played for Canadian teams, whereas all five of those who made less played for U.S. teams.

The idea that playing for a big U.S. market helps you earn more in endorsement income is simply wrong. Getting a hockey star to endorse your product is a big deal in Canada, but means nothing to the vast majority of consumers in the U.S.

Lol. I was just posting in my group hockey pool how pathetic NHL endorsements are. Kaprizov is doing commercials for "Great Clips"...and they have to introduce him first so everyone knows who he is. Meanwhile the top NBA rookies are signing $10-100 million dollar endorsement deals.

Lol...Gaudreau is doing car salesmen commercials at best in Philly.

[Ped]

Originally Posted by blankall

Lol. I was just posting in my group hockey pool how pathetic NHL endorsements are. Kaprizov is doing commercials for "Great Clips"...and they have to introduce him first so everyone knows who he is. Meanwhile the top NBA rookies are signing $10-100 million dollar endorsement deals.

Lol...Gaudreau is doing car salesmen commercials at best in Philly.

Nazem Kadri used to have falafel ads in Toronto that were pretty cringey.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by blankall

Lol...Gaudreau is doing car salesmen commercials at best in Philly.

Geno's Cheesesteaks.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Mr.Coffee

He ain’t getting that if he leaves

If he leaves, he gets Forever a Flame like MacInnis and Nieuwyndyk. If he stays, he gets 13 retired like Iginla, MacDonald, and Vernon (I still don't get this one).

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Geno's Cheesesteaks.

Ishkabibbles.

Sent from my SM-G986W using Tapatalk

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

If he leaves, he gets Forever a Flame like MacInnis and Nieuwyndyk. If he stays, he gets 13 retired like Iginla, MacDonald, and Vernon (I still don't get this one).

Stanley Cup winning g goalie who was getting Conn Smythe consideration.

Sent from my SM-G986W using Tapatalk

[Icon]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

I think Johnny enters a far greater national spotlight if he goes to the North East US. Games on ESPN and TNT far more likely if he is a Devil than a Flame. His 115pts were the highest by a US born player in decades and he wasn’t a top 3 for the Hart. Less travel, same time zone as family, close to family and friends are all very appealing.


On the flip side if he stays in Calgary he is the most famous person in the city who will be beloved as a franchise icon. He will likely lead the franchise in points, games played and his number will be in the rafters. The team is coming off a great year and if he stays they should be a top team again. He is comfortable here and does seem to have a great connection with the city.

Hopefully it comes down to money because the Flames should be able to offer the most with the 8th year

This is pretty much the synopsis as I see it, unfortunately I worry he leans towards home and family at the cost of a couple % on the overall offer.

If he stays, awesome, potential to be the greatest Flame ever.
If he leaves, could be a wild summer as far as retool/rebuild.

I just want something to happen either way!

[Manhattanboy]

Originally Posted by Icon

This is pretty much the synopsis as I see it, unfortunately I worry he leans towards home and family at the cost of a couple % on the overall offer.

If he stays, awesome, potential to be the greatest Flame ever.
If he leaves, could be a wild summer as far as retool/rebuild.

I just want something to happen either way!

Something will.