Gaudreau trade: Flames have 9 weeks to decide his fate

Forward Johnny Gaudreau maintains that he would love to re-sign and stay with the Calgary Flames. Gaudreau turns 28 this August and heading into the final season of his contract with the chance to renegotiate with the team this summer. Trade chatter has mentioned him all through last season, if not longer. Now, as shakeup is anticipated for the roster in Calgary, Gaudreau’s name is at the top of the list.

Team insider Eric Francis for Sportsnet claims that general manager Brad Treliving has nine weeks to decide the fate of Gaudreau. Here is how he puts it: 

“On July 28 his modified no-trade clause kicks in, limiting the number of teams the Flames can swap with to the five clubs of Gaudreau’s choosing.

To avoid being handcuffed much the way the team was when they essentially gave Jarome Iginla away, the Flames have nine weeks to decide the face of the franchise’s fate.”

Some would argue that the Flames could kick off the season with Gaudreau on board and trade him closer to the deadline, however, it would limit the number of suitors to playoff contenders and with cap restrictions, the Flames could miss their chance at a juicy return. 

The window to make a deal with Gaudreau is smaller when you consider the expansion draft goes July 21 and the Entry Draft is July 23-24, which means Treliving might just have eight weeks to make a call. 

The Flames will have to decide if they are willing to commit upwards of $8 or $9 million annually to Gaudreau, who could fetch that number of the open market. However, the Flames, who will need to re-sign Matthew Tkachuk next summer, might to invest that money elsewhere. 

Gaudreau has disappointed at some moments in the season, but reacted well to the change of head coach with Darryl Sutter coming in late in the season. We all know what the forward can do. 

As the clock is ticking, Treliving needs to decide if he will bring more on the trade market.