NHL Rumors: 3 Teams Trying to Sign Johnny Gaudreau

The Johnny Gaudreau sweepstakes are going to be fun to watch as the Calgary Flames great informed the team he was moving on. The tough conversation was apparently quite emotional for everyone involved as Gaudreau confirmed it was a family decision and had nothing to do what the on-ice product.

Gaudreau hits the open market as the top free agent and is coming off a 115-point season, one of the best contract years in recent memory. It's likely we see Johnny Hockey sign a seven-year maximum extension and for north of $10 million per season.

The 28-year-old has now been linked to three teams who have the best shot at signing the offensively gifted winger, they include the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers. All three teams are in close proximity to where Gaudreau has family ties so now the waiting game begins.

The Devils have a ton of cap space and will likely offer the most money and at this point have been deemed the favorites. A lot can change quickly as free agency opens at Noon eastern on Wednesday.

Johnny Gaudreau informed the #Flames he will not be returning to Calgary. Emotional conversation for both sides, as the Flames rolled out the red carpet to keep him.

A massive offer was presented, as we reported, but this wasn't about money.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 13, 2022

👀 Chuck Fletcher clearing cap space for a free agency splash. (Johnny Gaudreau remains unsigned in Calgary.) https://t.co/pAJ8uHCFDj
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) July 12, 2022