3 Teams That Could Trade for Johnny Gaudreau

The Calgary Flames had a rude awakening this past season, finishing the year with only 55pts after spending big money to bring in Jacob Markstrom and Chris Tanev last offseason. Since the free-agent market didn't bring them success, Flames GM Brad Treliving may turn to the trade market this summer to try and push his young team toward playoff success, before they start leaving for greener pastures.

There is no better trade piece on the Flames than Johnny Gaudreau. A 5-time All-Star and 2017 Lady Byng Trophy winner, Gaudreau is a legit top-pairing LW on most rosters around the league. Here are three teams that might be interested in bringing him in.

Buffalo Sabres

If the Flames were going to get in on the Eichel sweepstakes, Gaudreau is a player that will have to be included. It might be a tough sell given his modified No Move Clause, and Buffalo may be looking for a player signed for longer-term than Gaudreau, but having him included in the offer will certainly get the ball rolling. A first line of Tkachuk, Eichel, and Lindholm would be a massive improvement for the Flames, and it allows them to drop Monahan to the 2C spot. That's got to be appealing to Flames management.

Philadelphia Flyers

A trade to his hometown is exactly the kind of move that could convince Gaudreau to waive his NMC. The Flyers are seemingly in a perpetual state of being one player away from contention, and Johnny Hockey could be just that player. Joel Farabee has been a premium addition to the Flyers' left side, but shoring it up with a ~70pt player in Gaudreau might be the difference-maker they need to become regular Cup favourites. The question is what will they have to part with to get him?

Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pens have been in the playoffs every year for seemingly a lifetime. Yet for the last couple of seasons, the Penguins seem to deflate once they hit the post-season, losing a pair of first-round series to the NY Islanders and a Qualifying Round to the Montreal Canadiens. A player like Gaudreau would be a catalyst to sparking the Pen's offense on a more consistent basis and would provide them with a younger elite forward to flank the veteran duo of Crosby and Malkin. Plus, Brian Burke is a big fan of Gaureau's, but would the player waive to play to for his hometown rivals? Get it done Burkie!

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