Calgary Flames striker Johnny Gaudreau has decided to try the open market when the free agency opens Wednesday, according to Pierre LeBrun, a TSN Hockey informant.
Feeling that Johnny Gaudreau has decided to try the open market @TSNHockey @TheAthletic
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 13, 2022
The 28-year-old can still return to the team, but will not be able to sign an eight-year contract with the Flames once the midnight deadline ends on Tuesday night.
Gaudreau had a professional season in 2021-22, scoring 40 goals and 115 points in 82 games. In 602 career games with the Flames, the Salem, NJ native has 210 goals and 399 assists.
He comes out of a six-year, $ 40.5 million contract with an average annual value of $ 6.75 million. He was originally selected by the Flames in the fourth round (104th overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft