Most of the Calgary Flames fans are probably starting to lose hopes that superstar winger Johnny Gaudreau will remain on their team past this summer. But they shouldn’t, according to the Flames’ general manager Brad Treliving.
Speaking with the reporters earlier this week, Treliving said that he’s optimistic Gaudreau will ink a new deal instead of hitting the free agency and heading elsewhere.
“I’m always optimistic,” said Teliving. “I genuinely think that everybody’s heart’s in the right place. We want to get the player signed. He wants to be in Calgary. But they’re big decisions. They’re life decisions.”
The two sides have until July 13 to hammer out a deal. If they fail, Gaudreau will officially hit the free agency market and will be able to field the offers from other teams. While testing the free agency wouldn’t prevent the 28-year-old from returning to the Flames, Treliving hopes to avoid that scenario.
“I think it’s real genuine on both sides to try and get a deal done,” he added. “My hope is that we’re going to get something done before it gets to that.”
Johnny Gaudreau inked his most recent deal in 2016 when he signed on six years and $40.5 million. After that, Gaudreau went on to make four All-Star appearances to get his career total to six while also making the NHL First All-Star Team. Since his NHL debut in 2013–14, he played in 602 games for the Flames and contributed 210 goals and 399 assists.
