Flames star Johnny Gaudreau decides to test free agency

Johnny Gaudreau, the diminutive forward whose dominant season helped drive the Calgary Flames‘ hopes for a 2022 Stanley Cup run, has decided he will test free agency, radically changing the franchise’s outlook for the rest of its off-season.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1547009046594600966

With his decision to test free agency, Gaudreau forfeits the ability to sign an eight-year deal with Calgary, meaning the max option — whether in Calgary or anywhere else — is now a seven-year contract.

Now that the Flames no longer have the advantage of offering Gaudreau an eight-year deal, a move out of town becomes more of a reality.

Gaudreau is one of the top unrestricted free agents after tying for second in the league in scoring last season with 115 points (40 goals, 75 assists), helping the Flames capture the Pacific Division title.

The native of Salem, N.J. had three goals and 11 assists in 14 playoff games as the Flames advanced to the second round before losing to the Edmonton Oilers.

The five-foot-nine, 165-pound winger is due for a big raise after earning $6.75 million last season.

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Gaudreau has 609 points (210 goals, 399 assists) in 602 career regular-season games, all with Calgary.

The Flames selected Gaudreau in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.