#13 is Going to Get Paid

Gaudreau showed how good he was last night. Everyone is talking about Johnny about how the Flames need to sign him. I have never heard so many people tweeting "pay the man." The only question is how much. 

The true leader of the Flames this season, Johnny is on pace for a career season. Johnny is on pace for 106 points and 35 goals, both career highs. Johnny is on pace for 22 power-play goals, the second-best in his career. How the Flames go depends on how Johnny goes.

Johnny is on pace on career highs in everything except in power-play goals. Upon writing this blog, Johnny leads the Flames in points and assists. 

I don't think I have seen Johnny this focused in his career. He is undoubtedly one of the best Flames players ever. 

Here is a collection of how good he is. 

The biggest obstacle is, of course, the team's salary cap. To make things worse, the cap is not going up significantly in the next three years. Johnny is worth north of 8 million dollars. Both sides know that. Both parties also know the Flames can't go much higher than 8 million. Gaudreau will give in his demands a little more than the Flames. Last I heard, they are about 2 million apart. I expect the Flames to go as high as 8.25 million. Whether Johnny will stay for that is anyone's guess. 

Randy

Flames speculation: looking forward

When I asked about the numbers on Johnny's new contract, the only reply I got back was speculative. $8-8.5 million is the best guess at the number Johnny started with. The speculation of the Flames' number is suspected to be around $7.5 million. I suspect Gaudreau will settle for a little under $8 million. But this is only speculation. 

Pros: Why the Flames should pay the coin 

Johnny has been the man for years. He is vital to the team's powerplay. He is by far the best playmaker. The Flames can make changes without trading Gaudreau. Keeping the franchise player is essential to a team's success.

Cons: Why not to pay the piper

The Calgary Flames have been stagnant for what seems to be 25 years. They have threatened to make changes year after year, yet have done nothing. What is the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results!

Maybe the team has begun to make changes with the hiring of Mr. Sutter as head coach. That tells the team there is no more standing around. It is time for hard work. Daryl will get rid of all freeloaders.  

What the Flames want

Here is a hint. As a GM, it is your job to listen to all options. The Flames are denying that they have Gaudreau on the market. So he may not be on the market, but the Flames have a package they would consider. They need a forward who can perform in the playoffs. Someone with a Stanley Cup ring on his finger. They will probably get a pick and maybe even a prospect in the package. The Flames might try to work out a sign and a trade to get a better package. 

Flames shore up the Defence

 

The Flames avoided arbitration with Nikita Zadorov, signing him to a one-year contract of $3.75 million for one year.

They also signed Jusso Valimaki to a two-year deal. $1.55 million AAV.

Randy.