The last few days have seen the NHL start to ramp up in trade talks. In fact, one big deal got done on Tuesday when Kasperi Kapanen and pieces were sent to the Pittsburgh Penguins for a first-round pick plus pieces.
So, with teams now exited from the playoffs and making moves, how long before the Calgary Flames pull the trigger on a trade that would send Johnny Gaudreau to another team? After all, that’s the speculation coming out of Calgary these days.
Gaudreau has heard the whispers turn to loud conversations and he’s not ignorant to the fact he could be moved. He told reporters on Tuesday, including Wes Gilbertson of Postmedia that he understands that talk but would prefer to stay.
Gaudreau says Calgary has been like a second home and that he loves playing for the team and the city. He says the fans are awesome and that he could see himself playing the rest of his NHL career with the Flames.
Gaudreau even touched upon rumors that his desire is to go back He to the east coast, but he seemingly squashed that speculation when he said he is “really comfortable” in Calgary. He called it a place that is “special” to him and his family and that he’s been treated extremely well.
Will This Change Things In Calgary?
Despite the kind words from Gaudreau and his comments that he’s hoping not to get moved, the fact remains that the Flames likely need to make a change. Another early exit from the playoffs comes with consequences and that means looking at the players who aren’t producing in the postseason. That includes Gaudreau.
He’s been an excellent regular season player for much of his career but has been largely unproductive in postseason games and the leadership group of the Flames seems to include players like Matthew Tkachuk where it was once he and Sean Monahan.
If a team does come calling for Gaudreau and makes a strong offer — Kapanen landed the Leafs a first-round pick so there must be value out there — the Flames will likely listen.
Next: Maple Leafs Trade Kasperi Kapanen to Penguins
