The Calgary Flames have openly said they’re still looking to improve their roster and GM Brad Treliving isn’t likely done making deals. But, according to a source, it appears Johnny Gaudreau will not be a part of any future trades this offseason, should any take additional moves place.
Related: Gaudreau Says He Does Not Want to Be Traded
Tracey Myers of NHL.com wrote as part of a recent mailbag segment that she doesn’t expect the Flames will move Gaudreau, despite their being whispers that a team like the Philadelphia Flyers might be interested or speculation that the Flames have some concerns over Gaudreau’s recent playoff performances.
Myers writes that her expectation is that GM Brad Treliving believes Gaudreau could have a bounce-back season and bump his numbers up from a lowly 58-point season in 2019-20. Myers writes, “There’s just too much talent there, and anyone can have an off season.” The Flames believe he’s more the player who averaged 80 points over the four seasons previous to last season than he is the 50-point player he appeared to be when he struggled and became a trending topic in trade discussion a few months ago.
So too, with two years left on his current contract, there’s time to make a move if they’re wrong.
Gaudreau Will Be Watched Closely This Season
Despite Myers claims that Gaudreau likely isn’t going anywhere, expect the Flames and the rest of the league to watch the player closely. If the struggles early, there will be trade talk. The problem for Calgary will be how to move him and his $6.75 million in a flat cap NHL and not take a bath on the deal.
If he does rebound and the Flames don’t do well in the regular season, the worst case scenario is that Treliving has a player who is much more valued in a future deal and he can make a move to reshape the forward corps.
Next: Most Improved NHL Team: No Question, It’s the Montreal Canadiens
