Calgary’s disastrous start to the year just got worse.
Per Sportsnet, star forward Johnny Gaudreau -- who scored the game-winning goal in last night’s 1-0 victory over Minnesota -- has suffered a broken finger and will require surgery.
The loss is a critical blow to an underachieving Flames team that’s already calls for Glen Gulutzan’s job. Gaudreau hasn’t been great to start the year -- though few Flames have, which is why they’re 6-10-1 -- but he does lead the team in scoring, with 11 points, and has been the club’s most dynamic offensive performer for the last two seasons.
The club has yet to confirm the Sportsnet report, though multiple outlets suggested the injury is believed to be serious, and that Gaudreau was set to undergo tests today.
All eyes will now be on Calgary president Brian Burke. The oft-outspoken executive recently called out Gaudreau and Sean Monahan for their lack of production, suggesting the holdout for -- and pressure of -- Gaudreau’s new six-year, $40.5 million extension played a role in his slow start.
Update: Calgary has confirmed the original report.
An update on Gaudreau's return to play timeline will be provided in the ensuing days.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) November 16, 2016