Johnny Gaudreau explains decision to join Blue Jackets

Johnny Gaudreau left Canada for Ohio. Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Gaudreau explains surprising decision to join Blue Jackets

By Adam Stites | Last updated 7/14/22

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.

Johnny Gaudreau on signing with Columbus:

"This was always a place circled on my list"
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 14, 2022

Johnny Gaudreau on Columbus:

"Throughout the summer, I did my homework on places that I thought would be good for me. Every time I talked to a different person about this city, the person I was talking to seemed more excited than the last person."
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 14, 2022

"Didn't come to Columbus to check out the views, I came here to win hockey games" - Johnny Gaudreau pic.twitter.com/bwdI4CAptH
— CJ Fogler AKA Perc70 #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) July 14, 2022

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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