NHL Rumors: Flames say Johnny Gaudreau deal done, and is Filip Forsberg really on the block?
Anthony Scultore
|
Hockey fans from different teams, especially in Philadelphia that dreamed of Johnny Gaudreau possibly joining their squad at some point can move on.
After almost two years of speculation about Johnny Hockey staying in Calgary, words directly from the mouth of Flames assistant GM Craig Conroy should halt further conversation on the topic.
NHL Rumors: Johnny Gaudreau’s new contract
The Calgary Flames and Johnny Gaudreau decided early on not to discuss his pending UFA status during the season.
“That’s between my agent and [GM Brad Treliving], and I probably won’t answer many questions for you throughout the year on that,” Gaudreau told the media when camp opened. Calgary was reportedly looking to extend Johnny Gaudreau over the summer. Gaudreau, earns $6.75 million on his current deal.
The 28 year-old has been on fire in his contract year. With 64 points in 49 games, he is the spark that ignites the Flames (I did it again). This has the discussion shifting from will they trade him to how much will it cost to keep him.
“That’s a done deal. We’re going to get that done,” Conroy told Sportsnet 960. “I don’t just don’t know when.”
Last season and for much of this offseason, Gaudreau was closely attached to the Philadelphia Flyers. It will be interesting if knowing that Gaudreau is going to stay in Calgary, how that may impact Claude Giroux’s future as a pending UFA.
Filip Forsberg being shopped
According to reporter Andy Strickland, the Nashville Predators are “actively shopping” pending UFA forward Filip Forsberg.
The 27 year-old is in the final year of a six-year contract agreed to in 2016-17. That deal was for $6M AAV against the cap and his next one is expected to be much higher. This season, he’s scored 44 points through 38 games.
However, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on NHL Network that the two sides have begun talks back in November. Most recently that the two sides were expecting to discuss offers in the coming weeks.
“This (news) will probably come as quite the surprise to Forsberg and his reps as the Preds have been expected to get contract talks going,” he responded to Strickland’s report.
Forsberg is rumored to be looking for an 8 year deal at around $8 million per season. It is uncertain of the Nashville Predators can accommodate that with Ryan Johansson and Matt Duchene’s big contracts on the books.
My take is that the two sides may have exchanged initial numbers in lieu of negotiations. It is possible that the Predators are putting out feelers to see what teams may be willing to offer if they can’t come to an agreement before March 21 Trade Deadline.
Stay tuned, as I am sure more info will be coming in the coming weeks.
