When Johnny Gaudreau was signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets many people were caught off guard. It was even more surprising when it was revealed Gaudreau signed for significantly less than what was considered market value. It has been widely reported that Gaudreau left over $10,000,000 on the table from both the New Jersey Devils and Calgary Flames.
Flames General Manager Brad Treliving assured Flames' fans that they'd done everything possible to try and extend Gaudreau. It has since been reported the Flames offered Gaudreau a monster contract and were still willing to go higher. But according to Treliving, Gaudreau made his decision based off of personal reasons.
As Free Agency opened many believed Gaudreau, the native of Salem, New Jersey, was simply looking to go home. Obviously no one can fault any player for going home, but that's really not what Gaudreau decided.
It seems from Gaudreau's answer that it was ultimately anywhere but Calgary for Gaudreau. If I were a Calgary fan I'd definitely be upset by this decision, if you're not happy you could have simply asked for a trade or informed management of your intentions. Unfortunately for the Flames it appears they were led on by Gaudreau.
