Johnny Gaudreau explains surprising decision to join Blue Jackets
All-Star winger Johnny Gaudreau had no shortage of options on the free agency market, so his decision to join the Columbus Blue Jackets — a team with 15 playoff victories in its history and zero Stanley Cup Final appearances — surprised just about everyone.
Gaudreau, 28, signed a seven-year, $68.25 million deal with the Blue Jackets on Wednesday, reportedly turning down bigger offers to stay with the Calgary Flames or join the New Jersey Devils. On Thursday, he told reporters that his decision was about much more than money.
Gaudreau played the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the Calgary Flames and earned All-Star honors six times during his tenure, including the 2021-22 season. He finished the year with 115 points (40 goals and 75 assists). The Flames were plus-64 with Gaudreau on the ice this past season, an NHL-leading total and the most for any player in 26 years.
The Blue Jackets finished the season 37-38-7, missing the playoffs for the second straight season.
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