At this point in the offseason, a handful of major questions continue to loom over the Calgary Flames and Brad Treliving. One of those big question marks involves star-winger Johnny Gaudreau and his upcoming free-agent status in summer 2022.
When we all thought that Treliving would make some earth-shattering moves this offseason, Gaudreau was a name that circulated the trusty trade rumor mill. I mean, every time the "Flames need change" conversation pops up, Gaudreau is always a hot "trade bait" topic. However, when the 28-year-old LW mentioned he'd be open to remaining in Calgary, some of that trade speculation shifted to the probability of an extension.
Of course, as of now, Gaudreau has yet to be traded or extended.
Yes, regardless of whether or not this saga comes to an end by training camp, Gaudreau remains under contract for one more year. Treliving, or whoever is GM by the time a decision is made, technically still has plenty of time to figure things out.
Notice how I used the word "technically" there. Though the Flames have one more year to work things out, I feel like concluding this matter before the training camp is crucial.
Personally, Calgary needs to do whatever it takes (within reason) to re-sign Gaudreau to a new contract. I also think that is exactly what the Flames would prefer to do. Regardless, they cannot have the uncertainty hanging over them as the season gets rolling.
The last thing the organization needs while they look to create a sustainable winning culture is a distraction. Gaudreau playing the year in Calgary with no extension would be just that. Anytime the team hit a bump in the road, trade rumors would rear their ugly head. I don't care what anybody says; there is no way that doesn't affect a locker room's overall vibe. It has to.
If both sides are at a stand-still with contract talks this summer, is there really the likelihood that changes. I mean, of course, it could happen, but I'd be wary of it not. If the Flames are in a position where they need to trade Gaudreau, doing so now would bring in a larger haul than at the deadline. Again, this is not me advocating for the Flames to deal him elsewhere.
In some ways, the Flames offseason has been quite uneventful. Yes, they have made some helpful acquisitions, but we are still waiting for that "big move" that provides more of an idea of where this team is heading. Extending Gaudreau would fit the bill to a certain extent.
No matter what Treliving decides to do, a resolution to Gaudreau's future must be obtained sooner rather than later.