Johnny Gaudreau Signs With Columbus Blue Jackets

Johnny Gaudreau (aka Johnny Hockey) has decided where he will continue his NHL career. General manager Brad Treliving worked hard to re-sign the star forward. Gaudreau finished tied for second in the league in scoring. Just Connor McDavid outscored him. He had been earning $6.75 million, but that was then. This is NOW, and his price went up… way up. Try $9 million – $10.5 million.

I think it is 7x$9.8M

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 13, 2022

Johnny Gaudreau Signs With Columbus

There was much speculation as to what would happen to Gaudreau. Treliving stated signing him was his top priority. The issue with getting a deal done is the same issue for every NHL team affected by the salary cap. Teams who wanted him and could perhaps create enough cap space included the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers. He was very indecisive as to what he wanted to do. Then all of a sudden the Columbus Blue Jackets came calling and it was a match made in heaven. This, of course, made things difficult for GM Treliving to plan ahead. Does he need to find a replacement (good luck) for Johnny Hockey if he signs elsewhere? If so, that’s not a lot of time to get it done.

NHL free agents do seem to hold teams hostage awaiting their decisions. Gaudreau stated that he wanted to stay put in Calgary, and he could get an additional year in his contract if he stayed put. Yet, as a free agent, every player needs to assess his options to the fullest.

Around Full Press Hockey

NHL: Colorado Avalanche Long Journey Back To The Stanley Cup

NHL Rumors: NHL Rumors: Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers 

NHL:  2022 NHL Draft: Player Rankings, Risers, and Fallers V 3.0

NFL: Best Bets For 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year

Full Press Bets:  Odds Favor The Avalanche To Repeat As Stanley Cup Champions

PODCAST: Full Press Hockey Weekly: Ep 33: Stanley Cup Final Preview

Going Forward

So, now that Gaudreau has made his decision, he can focus on the upcoming season. What are his goals this season (besides the ones that go in behind a bewildered goalie)? He has all the talent in the world and will certainly be an asset to Columbus Blues Jackets. He will fill in on any line, he’s that good. Just give Gaudreau the puck and watch the magic happen.

The post Johnny Gaudreau Signs With Columbus Blue Jackets appeared first on Full Press Hockey.