Calgary Flames fans hoping Johnny Gaudreau’s contract situation would be resolved at some point during the World Cup of Hockey are probably going to be out of luck.
If Team North America, which Gaudreau plays for, makes it all the way to the final game of the tournament, that would go on Oct. 1, provided the final best-of-three series goes the distance.
The Flames begin the regular season on Oct. 12, so between the conclusion of the World Cup and the start of the NHL regular season, there’s still time to get a deal done with the 23-year-old restricted free agent forward.
But for now, Johnny Hockey’s focus is on the World Cup.
“I didn’t want to get it in my head,” Gaudreau has told TSN.
“I don’t think I’m going to talk to my agent for the next 20 or 30 days about the contract. I’m here for Team North America and I want to put that aside and worry about playing time for this team. After the tournament, we’ll see how the contract is going.”
It’s been reported that Gaudreau’s camp is asking for something in the range of $8 million a year. It was also noted on PHT that he isn’t eligible for arbitration rights, or to sign an offer sheet.
That dollar figure would make him Calgary’s highest paid player if he is indeed paid what he’s asking.
Gaudreau had 30 goals and 78 points in 79 games last season.
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