INKED: Flames sign Gaudreau to 6-year contract worth $6.75M per season

Oct 7 2016, 1:33 am

It took longer than expected, but the Calgary Flames have finally signed Johnny Gaudreau, and it’s a bargain deal.

The saying good things come to those who wait couldn’t be more true here, as Gaudreau’s production certainly could have warranted somewhere in the $7-7.5 million range. The 23-year-old put up 78 points in 79 games last season, and will lead a Flames team that hopes to get back into the playoff picture.

One player Gaudreau has constantly been compared to is Vladimir Tarasenko, who put up 73 points in 77 games before signing an eight-year deal worth $7.5 million annually.

The Gaudreau deal comes with a $3 million bonus, but the most important factor is the modest $6.75M cap hit. There were reports that Gaudreau’s camp was asking for something in the $8 million range, so the fact Brad Treliving was able to negotiate down to that number is an impressive feat.

Although he didn’t attend any of Flames training camp or preseason action, Gaudreau did play in the World Cup of Hockey, where he put up four points in three games with Team North America. He’ll be playing on the top line with Sean Monahan, who signed on for seven years earlier this summer.

Gaudreau and the Flames will start the season on Wednesday when they head to Edmonton to take on the Oilers.

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