Johnny Gaudreau Talks With Eric Francis About His Contract Discussions

The Calgary Flames, Johnny Gaudreau and his agent Lewis Gross still have some negotiating to do regarding Gaudreau's contract, but Johnny Hockey is not at all worried. He is also putting to rest any chatter about him signing a shorter contract and then leaving Calgary.

In an article by Eric Francis in the Calgary Sun, the 22 year old from Carneys Point, New Jersey, told Francis,

"I love it out here in Calgary and will be here for a lot of years to come - I don't think that's really a problem at all,"

Some suggest that since Johnny was born and raised and went to college back east that he would want to go back to be closer to family.

In the same article, Gaudreau also explained,

"It's difficult (being far from his family) but I think that's part of being a professional athlete. I'm 22 years old and I've been away from home since I was 17, going back in the summer and I'm used to it by now..."

Johnny still sees his family when the Flames are on eastern road trips and of course during the off-season when he goes back and his parents have made it out to a few games in Calgary.

He has 70 points in 69 games and is tied right now for sixth place in NHL scoring with Evgeny Kuznetsov and only one point back from Sidney Crosby. He is also 8 points ahead of Vladimir Tarasenko, who just signed a huge long-term deal with the St. Louis Blues last year and whose numbers have not been as good as Gaudreau's.

As he summed up in his discussion with Francis, he knows that it's a business in spite of fitting in well with the Flames.

"I'm going to sign whatever my agent thinks is the best contract for me personally, whether it's eight years, three years or five years...however many years it is I think I have a great fit here in Calgary..."

We agree with you, Johnny - you're a great fit! And I think it's safe to say that most - if not all - Flames fans would love to see you stick around.