When Johnny Gaudreau announced he wasn't going to re-sign with the Calgary Flames and that he was going to test free agency, all signs pointed to him signing with either the New Jersey Devils or Philadelphia Flyers. Gaudreau ended up signing with neither and instead chose the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was a puzzling decision that left even the New Jersey Devils General Manager confused.
ESPN's Greg Wyshynski recently interviewed Devils' General Manager, Tom Fitzgerald and asked him how close he thought he was to signing Johnny Gaudreau. Like the rest of the hockey world Fitzgerald thought all the signs were there for Gaudreau to become a Devil.
It may be telling that Fitzgerald thought Gaudreau would likely sign with the Devils because he's from New Jersey and played hockey with Fitzgerald's son. There is no mention of the Devil's plan for the future, their facilities, or what the actual team brings to the table. Could Gaudreau have signed in Columbus because they actually wanted him and pursued him, and didn't just expect him to sign there? Hopefully this is a lesson for all General Mangers going forward.
