The NHL free agency period has begun—and the Columbus Blue Jackets have already landed the largest prize.
After eight full seasons with the Calgary Flames, who drafted him 104th overall in 2011, left wing Johnny Gaudreau (Boston College) has left Alberta for Ohio, after signing a seven-year, $68.2 million deal with the Blue Jackets.
Gaudreau, 28, who turned pro in 2014 after three years at BC, has tallied 210 goals and 399 assists for 609 points in 602 NHL regular-season appearances, all with Calgary. He notched 40-75—l15 points in 82 outings in 2021-22, setting new career highs in each category as he finished second in the league in total points, and in addition led all NHL players with a plus-64 plus-minus rating. He has also recorded 11-22—33 points in 42 Stanley Cup Playoff contests, including 3-11—l4 points in 12 games this spring in leading the Flames to the second round. The 2016 Lady Byng Trophy winner as the NHL's most gentlemanly player that season, he also scored the overtime winner in Game 7 against the Dallas Stars in the first round this year, Calgary's first true playoff series win since 2015.
Gaudreau, from Salem, N.J., joined BC after registering 36 goals and 71 points in 60 games with Dubuque (USHL) in 2010-11. Originally committed to Northeastern University, he switched to BC and registered 78-97—l75 points in three seasons with the Eagles, and won a national championship with them as a freshman in 2012. He recorded 36-44—80 points as a junior in 2013-14, winning the Hobey Baker Memorial Award that season as the NCAA's top player while also helping BC to the Frozen Four in Philadelphia before turning pro shortly afterwards with Calgary.
Gaudreau has also suited up for the United States in several international competitions, helping the U.S. to the gold medal at the 2013 World Junior Championship, and to bronze at the 2018 IIHF World Championship. He also won silver at the 2012 Under-18 Championship.
A full updated list of 2022 NHL free agent signings is available here.
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