NHL Rumors: Big Update on Future of Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary

The Calgary Flames have built themselves a Stanley Cup contender as this has been a resurgence season for the team. The club is built on strong goaltending and a swallowing defensive system and led by a few offensive juggernauts up front. One of those weapons is winger Johnny Gaudreau and while he's a pending unrestricted free-agent who will be heavily pursued, it sounds like that's not even going to be an option.

Flames assistant general manager Craig Conroy opened up recently about the contract talks and had this to say:

That's a done deal; we're going to get that done.

"That's a done deal, we're going to get that done"#Flames Assistant GM Craig Conroy on Johnny Gaudreau's next deal 👀

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— Sportsnet 960 (@Sportsnet960) February 23, 2022

Gaudreau has been an absolute beast, helping the Flames to a 30-13-6 record. He's recorded 20 goals and 44 assists in 49 games so far this season and his 1.31 points per game is the best ever for his career. Talk about perfect timing for a contract year.

Calgary has a boat load of money to spend this summer but they do have some big orders of business to complete. including this deal for 'Johnny Hockey'. The Flames also have some restricted free agents to worry about and these include Matthew Tkachuk, Andrew Mangiapane and Oliver Kylington.

As for Gaudreau, he's currently making $6.75 million a season and will likely see his next annual salary start with at least an eight. Regardless, don't expect to see him leaving for Philadelphia or St Louis, sounds like he's staying put in western Canada.