MONTREAL Calgary Flames Brad Treliving, the general manager of Brad Treliving, spoke with optimism about superstars on Friday Johnny Gaudreau Staying with his team is better than pursuing unrestricted free agencies next week.
“If I didn’t believe it was possible, then we would probably have turned our focus elsewhere. It’s not a done deal. Treliving explained that if you believe there’s a deal to be done, you continue working on it.”
Gaudreau, 28 years old, is the most prominent potential player on the free-agent markets, which open for business July 13. Gaudreau, 28, had 115 points last season in 82 matches. He also scored 40 goals. Gaudreau finished fourth in the NHL MVP voting two times in the last four years. He played nine years with the Flames during his nine-year tenure. They drafted him fourth in 2011.
Gaudreau recently completed a 6-year, $40.5 Million contract Treliving presented him in 2016.
Trevling was questioned if the current play was good. Gaudreau said he was open to going back to Calgary, but wanted to know what other teams had to offer.
“I wouldn’t classify it as such. Both sides are trying to make a deal. These things take some time. Johnny is a very good player. You’re going to get a lot of attention. He said that he believes both sides are genuine and want to make a deal. “My hope is that it’s possible to reach an agreement before that happens.”
NHL front offices are creating contingency plans as free-agency draws near. The Flames are no different.
“You can look at all of the options. We are focusing on Plan A. We will continue to be focused on Plan A, even if Plan A doesn’t become a reality. Treliving said that our only focus is on getting him signed.
According to Calgary’s general manager, Gaudreau is doing as expected and the clock has not stopped for free agency.
“I’m always optimistic. I consider myself a very optimistic person by nature. It takes time. My experience in my business has shown me that deadlines are what pushes decisions. He stated that they are moving up on one. “But I truly believe that everyone’s heart is in the right place. We want the player to sign. He wants to live in Calgary. They are big decisions. These are life-altering decisions.
“If he refuses to sign with us he has earned the chance to look at market. He should think about that. It’s not about trying to sign our player.