Johnny Gaudreau almost signed with another team before accepting Blue Jackets deal

Just under a week ago Johnny Gaudreau shocked the hockey world and turned down a 8 year $10.5 million AAV contract from the Calgary Flames and hit the open market for a chance to play closer to home. When he told us he wanted to play closer to his family, many thought he was going to sign with the Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils or even the New York Islanders, but instead he chose a location still an 8 hour drive away from his family in Columbus.

After having a conversation with Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, he decided that the Blue Jackets were the best destination for him.

Gaudreau recently joined the guys at the Spittin' Chiclets podcast and shared his experience of free agency and the team he almost signed with:

If the Blue Jackets didn't come in with a last minute offer, Johnny Hockey would be a member of the New Jersey Devils.

📺: https://t.co/3PGvRNhC0J pic.twitter.com/TjYZEvJtMk� Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) July 19, 2022

Previously on HouseOfHockey

Calgary Flames make a HUGE mistake and will make Matthew Tkachuk a UFA early!

Eddie Olczyk gets VERY emotional in his exit interview in Chicago

New Canadian team now linked to Nazem Kadri - Makes sense with big trade pending

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19 JUILLET \| 696 ANSWERS Johnny Gaudreau almost signed with another team before accepting Blue Jackets deal Did Gaudreau make the right decision?
yes	243	34.9 %
no	453	65.1 %
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