Should The Calgary Flames Pay Up For Gaudreau?

As the NHL season edges ever closer, the Calgary Flames are still missing a vital piece of their team jigsaw. Johnny 'Hockey' Gaudreau is still yet to put pen to paper on signing a new contract. 

Currently a restricted free agent, Gaudreau is focusing on his role with team North America in the World Cup of Hockey, but it's unclear if he'll have a role to come back to after the tournament ends. 

The Flames' superstar has reached the end of his three-year, entry level deal with Calgary; but as he only played one game in his first year, he's not eligible for unrestricted status. Gaudreau would have had to have played at least 10 games in the NHL or AHL in year one to tick that box. He's ineligible for arbitration for the same reason. 

There are a few reasons why Gaudreau is holding out for big money and why it's worth a punt.

He's the best skater Calgary has. If you're having flashbacks to 2013's Nazem Kadri hold-out, then you're not alone. The difference here is that Gaudreau actually sells tickets and jerseys. He's the face of the franchise and his agent knows this. Let's face facts; the Flames finished the 2015-16 season in 26th place. It's been a long time since fans saw the team win anything. Having a superstar to watch sweetens the deal. 

Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun reports that Johnny Hockey is holding out for a contract worth approximately $8 million per year. That is a truck full of money for a forward with only two years' experience. Especially with the weak Canadian dollar. That said; he might actually be worth it. 

Last season, Gaudreau scored 78 points for Calgary, that was 6th best in the NHL (tied with Blake Wheeler). The season prior he scored 64 points, the same amount, incidentally as Patrick Kane. Now that linemate Sean Monahan's contract has been sorted out, there's no reason to think that Gaudreau isn't capable of putting up those sorts of numbers for another few seasons.

A short, big money contract could be the way to go, that way the Flames retain the services of an exciting young forward and if things don't pan out, then neither party is stuck with a bad contract. 

Given Gaudreau's restricted status, the Flames have him over the metaphorical barrel. Both parties see Gaudreau's future in Calgary, but Monahan's contract is worth $6.375 million and he has more experience in the NHL. 

Whichever side flinches first, Johnny Hockey will be playing in Calgary next season and it's unlikely it'll be for the amount of money he's asking for. That's not to say that it can't happen but a compromise is much more likely. Probably in the area of $6.5 to $7 million. Time will tell. In the mean time you can enjoy watching Gaudreau represent young North Americans in the WCH.