NHL Rumors: Latest on Johnny Gaudreau Contract Talks

The Calgary Flames have reportedly made a serious offer to pending free agent Johnny Gaudreau and now we all sit and wait to see how things play out. TSN's Pierre LeBrun had this to say about the contract negotiations:

It is status quo in that I'm told (as of now), Johnny Gaudreau remains undecided about the offer from the Calgary Flames. His camp has not communicated to the Flames one way or another where this is headed at this point

The Flames have been aggressive from the beginning of the team's offseason, trying to show their player just exactly where their heart lies. LeBrun confirmed the team offered Gaudreau a contract in early June but haven't received a decision either way. Johnny Hockey had himself a massive season and may be best suited to hit the open market to see what kind of contract comes after recording 115 points in 82 games.

The Flames winger scored a career-high 40 goals and was mentioned throughout the season in the league's Hart trophy conversation as the NHL's MVP. It's likely we see Gaudreau's next contract close to $11 million per season. No word yet just how much the Flames have offered per season to the team's best offensive player.

There's no doubt the Flames are hopeful and confident Gaudreau will stay put but with free agency looming on July 13, tensions are high on the Red Mile. The likes of the Philadelphia Flyers and New Jersey Devils are going to be very aggressive if given the chance to sign Johnny Hockey. 

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