Count Calgary news presenter Andrew Brown is among fans who are unhappy with Johnny Gaudreau’s decision to pitch for Columbus in the NHL free agency. (Getty Images)
On the opening day of the NHL free agency on Wednesday, star striker Johnny Gaudreau took the hockey world by surprise when he deviated from expectations and signed a seven-year, $ 68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Although Gaudreau had informed the Calgary Flames that he would try free agency, his choice to join the Blue Jackets has angered many Alberta fans and caused CBC Calgary news presenter Andrew Brown to send a message to Gaudreau on live television when he closed the show on Thursday night. .
“And that’s the news for now. I’ll be back here at 11, unless a Columbus news station offers me a lot less money … and I’ll probably go do it.”
Heading to free agency, the Salem, NJ native was expected to sign close to home, either with the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers or New York Islanders who were previously believed to be the favorites for get their services. Gaudreau ended up with a franchise that is more than 500 miles from home, accepting far less money than the aforementioned interested clubs were bidding.
Gaudreau did not want to return to Calgary, ruling out an eight-year contract offer that would make him the highest paid player in franchise history. Pierre LeBrun confirmed that the Flames’ offer was $ 10.5 million a year for eight years.
“I think it was time to make a small change. I will leave it that way,” Gaudreau said at his first press conference as a blue jacket on Thursday.
Gaudreau left more than money on the table, he also left a furious fan base in Calgary and a news presenter bold enough to call the star player on live television.
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