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With Sean Monahan having recently put pen to paper on a long-term contract extension the Calgary Flames can now turn their undivided attention to Johnny Gaudreau.

While there is still plenty of time to get a deal done prior to training camp, the World Cup of Hockey commences soon and Gaudreau does not wish to talk extension once that happens.

In other words if he doesn't sign soon then there's potential for this to come right down the wire and leak into camp/preseason.

If the Flames wish to avoid that they're going to have to pay up. As expected, Gaudreau wants a long-term deal and he also wants more than Monahan.

From Elliotte Friedman (transcribed by TodaysSlapshot):

“I’m sure that Calgary would like to get Gaudreau in in that area too, but I think Gaudreau is asking higher.

...

I think he’s looking for term. I think the team is looking for term. I think what Gaudreau is probably saying is, ‘Well, if you want to do term, it’s got to be a pretty big number.’ I think they’ve talked a little bit in the last couple of days since Monahan was signed. Nobody is really discussing it, but I’ve got no information that anything is really close."

To me this is absolutely no surprise and I think Gaudreau is smart to be shooting for more money than Monahan. He deserves more.

The latter is a fine player but his defensive game is overrated, Gaudreau's is underrated or there's a combination of the two. Either way the difference isn't what most people make it out to be and there's no questioning that Gaudreau is the better offensive player.

Gaudreau's points per game totals have been higher, he's been a more efficient 5 v 5 scorer and he has the ability to create every time he touches the puck where as Monahan needs some help doing the work and is more of a finisher.

Again, I think Gaudreau is worth more and fully expect him to be paid accordingly - maybe something like $7 million per - when all is said and done.

Recent posts:

Flames sign Sean Monahan to seven-year extension

Flames sign Jamie Devane to PTO

Flames re-sign Tyler Wotherspoon

NHL Network ranks Gaudreau among top-20 forwards

Michael Ferland should score more next season

Flames deserve credit for finding cheap, quality solutions in goal

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