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The Calgary Flames have confirmed that they have reached a new agreement with Johnny Gaudreau. Gaudreau and the Flames were reportedly locked in a stalemate for much of the summer, with Gaudreau allegedly requesting $8 million. Reports suggested that the Flames were hoping to sign Gaudreau to contract similar to Sean Monahan's 7-year, $6.3 million deal.
Gaudreau and the Flames ultimately agreed upon a reported $6.75 million, 6-year contract, which would keep Gaudreau with the Flames through the 2023-2024 season
Gaudreau has played two full seasons for the Flames since graduating from BC. He was a Calder finalist as a rookie, and has participated in 2 All Star weekends. As a rookie, Gaudreau was second on the Flames in points with 24 goals and 40 assists in 80 games. He led the 2014-15 team in playoff points, recording 9 points in 11 games. Last season, Gaudreau led the Flames in goals (30), assists (48), and points (78). Gaudreau was tied for 6th in the NHL for points last season, just behind big name players like Jamie Benn, Sidney Crosby, Joe Thorton, and Eric Karlsson.
Gaudreau has proved his doubters wrong, showing that he can contribute in the same ways at the NHL level as he did in the NCAA while also remaining essentially injury-free. While Monahan is projected by many to be the future captain of the Flames, Gaudreau will be the face of the team (he basically is already). The Flames should be pleased to have him signed for the next 6 seasons, during which time he can hopefully help to turn them into a real playoff contender.