NHL Rumors: Johnny Gaudreau May Choose To Test Free Agency

The Calgary Flames should prepare to lose one of their star players as it is going to be a tough task to bring back Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk, Andrew Mangiapane, Oliver Kylington, and more with limited cap space.

Darren Dreger says it wouldn't be a shock at this point if Gaudreau chooses to test free agency. He was one of the best players in the NHL this season, scoring 115 points which ranked him tied for second in the league with Jonathan Huberdeau. Gaudreau was also a 40-goal scorer and had the best plus/minus in the league at +64. He was on the best line in the NHL, and two of the three members of that line for the Flames need new contracts.

As an American-born player, it's not a surprise if Gaudreau wants to play for a team in the U.S., as he has been linked to teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils. Unlike the other three Flames mentioned above, Gaudreau is the only unrestricted free agent and even if he does test free agency, there's still a chance he could sign with Calgary.

Gaudreau is going to get a better offer from a team other than the Flames if he waits until free agency opens, but he and the Flames have each expressed a want to make it work in Calgary. The Flames are going to have to sacrifice some pieces if they want to keep their best player, but the team does have a real shot at competing for a Stanley Cup the foreseeable future.