NHL Rumors: Johnny Gaudreau keeping lines open for Flames; and John Klingberg disappointed with Stars
Anthony Scultore
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When the NHL trade deadline hits this season, one of the hottest names in the rumor mill will be Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau.
The 28 year-old will be a pending UFA if he reaches the market in July. So what’s the latest on Johnny Hockey? Let’s find out.
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NHL Rumors: Johnny Gaudreau still open to talks on extension
The Calgary Flames were reportedly looking to extend Johnny Gaudreau over the summer. That did not materialize and the forward is not going to discuss contract talks – in public.
“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.
Gaudreau, earns $6.75 million against the cap and is in the final year of his contract. While his next deal should be for more, it’s unlikely to be too much higher.
Johnny Hockey, as he’s known, openly stated he loves playing in Calgary and wants to stay. He scored 19 goals and 49 points in 56 contests for the Flames last season.
Pierre LeBrun provided the latest update on the situation in his most recent column.
“In a perfect world, Gaudreau would have begun the season with an extension in place. He has publicly stated he wants to sign past this year in Calgary and I’m told that remains the case,” LeBrun wrote. “My sense is Gross and Flames management will continue to dialogue but both sides very much want to keep things out of the public eye.”
If the two sides can’t work a deal by the deadline, it will be Gaudreau whose in control of his destination. That’s because his 5 team no move clause kicked in on July 28th.
John Klingberg disappointed with contract negotiations
Klingberg, 29, 36 points in 53 games last year, and is headed towards UFA status next summer. According to reports, the two sides have been talking but so far they appear to be far apart on terms.
“There’s mutual interest, obviously, to get this guy locked into a long-term deal,” David Pagnotta said via TFP. “Both the Stars want it to happen and John Klingberg himself wants this to happen. But I can tell you, he’s a little bit disappointed that they weren’t able to get a new deal done by the start of the season.”
Based on some of the monster deals free agent defensemen have been signing, Klingberg could be asking for a significant increase from his current deal that pays $4.25M AAV.
The Dallas Stars opened up the vault for Miro Heiskanen at eight years for $8.45 million. They also have Esa Lindell with 4 years left on a deal that pays $5.8M and inked Ryan Suter for 4 years at $3.65M this summer. It’s possible that there just won’t be the money Klingberg is looking for.
If Klingberg hits the market, he will be a sought after commodity.
