Next Team Market: Is Johnny Gaudreau Returning to Flames?

Unrestricted free-agent winger Johnny Gaudreau could test the market Wednesday once free agency opens Wednesday at 12 p.m. ET if he can’t come to terms with the Calgary Flames. DraftKings Sportsbook has a betting market available for where he’ll play to start the 2022-23 NHL Season.

Johnny Gaudreau’s Next Regular Season Minute Played Odds

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Gaudreau is coming off a career-high 40 goals, 75 assists, and 115 points while also driving possession with a 56.8 Corsi For percentage at 5v5 and a 58.2 CF% when adjusted for score and venue according to Natural Stat Trick.

The Salem, New Jersey native is expected to be coveted when free agency begins and is probably also the best talent available.

As it stands, there hasn’t been any reported progress in negotiations with the Flames.

While Calgary remains the betting favorite in the market, there are also a number of U.S. franchises on the list, which would bring Gaudreau closer to home.

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The 27-year-old winger is coming off the final season of a six-year deal with an annual salary-cap hit of $6.75 million that he signed back in October of 2016. He’s reportedly looking for a significant raise — potentially into the eight-digit range.

With so many teams tight against the cap, Gaudreau’s suitors are limited if he’s going to demand that money.

After all, Calgary also has restricted free-agent wingers Matthew Tkachuk and Andrew Mangiapane to sign, in addition to restricted free-agent defenseman Oliver Kylington.

This is easily the biggest story in the NHL leading into free agency, and the longer it drags on, it’s probably more likely Gaudreau opts to move on from the Calgary organization. 

Make sure to keep an eye on our Live Odds page throughout the week to get the best lines possible and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sports betting forum.