Stephen Whyno, The Canadian Press
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Johnny Gaudreau will leave the Calgary Flames via the free agent market.
Last season, Gaudreau scored 40 goals and 115 points, numbers that allow him to aspire to the title of most valuable player in the league.
“I firmly believe this is a family decision and I fully respect that,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said Tuesday night.
“We have nothing but respect for ‘John’, the hockey player and the person.”
A fourth-round pick by the Flames in 2011, Gaudreau set career highs in goals and points last season. He helped the Flames become section champions.
His next contract will undoubtedly exceed the most wealthy granted to the period of autonomy last year, an agreement of $ 63 million for Dougie Hamilton, with the Devils.
He would be courted among others by the Islanders and the Flyers, being a native of the southern part of New Jersey.
Gaudreau will be 29 next month.
“To our fans, I can confidently say that we did everything possible to keep John with us,” Treliving said. I firmly believe there is nothing more we could have done.”
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