Johnny Gaudreau Reportedly Won’t Return to Flames; Will Be Free Agent

Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau plans to test the free-agent market, general manager Brad Trevliving told reporters Tuesday.

Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff provided additional details:

Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic reported that the Flames attempted to sign Gaudreau, 28, to an eight-year contract extension. Calgary reportedly posted an initial offer of $76 million before upping the ante to over $10 million per season. Seravalli reported the same.

However, he will now officially become a free agent on Wednesday at noon ET. Gaudreau can still hypothetically return to the Flames, but he would not be able to ink an eight-year deal unless he re-signs with the team before the free-agency deadline.

Per Pierre LeBrun of TSN, Gaudreau is coming off a six-year, $40.5 million contract. The Flames selected the former Boston College star with a fourth-round draft pick in 2011.

Gaudreau’s 115 points (40 goals, 75 assists) was tied for second in the NHL last year with the Florida Panthers’ Jonathan Huberdeau.

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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