Honestly, Calgary fans should be the most upset, but if he had his heart set on leaving Calgary, Columbus is a mind-boggling decision. Assuming the islanders highest offer was a 7x9 (rumored), Gaudreau took 5.25 million more to play for a worse team and worse organization in a worse city in front of a less passionate fan base (sorry Blue Jackets fans, but it’s true).
The thing is, money clearly wasn’t the issue for Gaudreau, because he reportedly denied a contract from the devils that was “north of 11m AAV”. So if we’re simply looking at the three teams of CBJ, NYI, and NJD, I simply don’t know what CBJ offers that the other two don’t offer better. The two have better 1Cs (Barzal/Hughes vs Boone Jenner), better locations (closer to home for Gaudreau), nicer facilities (Isles have brand new arena/practice facility, dk abt the Devils), and a better chance of being competitive for the next 3 years or so (rest of Gaudreau’s prime).
The decision just doesn’t make any sense, but alas, the world is not fair. Now, I’m sure Lou Lamoriello is either going to overpay for Nazem Kadri who isn’t a fit for this team AT ALL, or simply stand pat and say some bs about how he’s happy with how the team is and will wait until the trade deadline to make a move. Although our core is young and solid, the supporting pieces aren’t getting any younger and our prospect pool is barren. Signing Gaudreau would’ve catapulted us back into Cup contention, but now we’re stuck at a greater crossroads than ever.
I simply don’t understand why we aren’t a free agent destination. Maybe we sign Ondrej Palat and Dylan Strome tomorrow, and maybe trade Bailey for god’s sake, and maybe even make a move for Chychrun and I will come back to this post and laugh. But I’m not confident.
Somewhere deep down inside we all know that Islanders don’t need Tavares.
(Sorry I had to)
You would’ve thought that by hiring multiple time Stanley cup-winning GM Lou Lamoriello that he would have at least come close to replacing Tavares’s production in 4 years. Guess not
You would’ve thought that by hiring multiple time Stanley cup-winning GM Lou Lamoriello that he would have at least come close to replacing Tavares’s production in 4 years. Guess not
They were still Cup contenders but there hasn’t been that elite player like Tavares that they need. I’m unsure of the teams current status. I want to believe they can still be competitive but without Trotz it’s a bit hard to see that.
Gaudreau wants a place that has less taxes and is cheaper in real estate and other stuff. Just thinking of a life perspective he wants his end ride to be smooth and just wants the East coast
Gaudreau wants a place that has less taxes and is cheaper in real estate and other stuff. Just thinking of a life perspective he wants his end ride to be smooth and just wants the East coast
I think Flames fans would have been fine with him signing with PHI, NJ or even NYI. Those fit the definition of "close-to home".
But when he signed 8hrs from "home". That's really bothered Flames fans. I think he will be booed when he comes back to Calgary.
Funny how fast things turn. If he signed, 13 would be retired by the Flames and he'd be mentioned with Jarome Iginla as the greatest to ever play for the Flames.
I do get though that Columbus will be playing close to Gaudreau's home on the road several times in the Metro. But fans are upset and aren't rational.
Columbus to home in New Jersey is less than 2 hours and Columbus was in a retool. Gaudreau and Laine is something I'd not want to watch against my team. Columbus will contend in a couple years maybe more
Columbus to home in New Jersey is less than 2 hours and Columbus was in a retool. Gaudreau and Laine is something I'd not want to watch against my team. Columbus will contend in a couple years maybe more
Columbus to home in New Jersey is less than 2 hours and Columbus was in a retool. Gaudreau and Laine is something I'd not want to watch against my team. Columbus will contend in a couple years maybe more
Columbus to Philly is a 7 hour and 37 minute drive btw, just did a quick google search. Plus Gaudreau and Laine are both left wingers
I hate free agency so much. The last 6 islanders free agencies
2016- lose Okposo, Nielsen and Martin than sign Ladd (5x7), Chimera and PA Parenteau
2017- Did nothing
2018- Lost JT
2019- Get used by Panarin
2020- The Toews trade plus Boychuck retiring (ik it helped but was still sad) and get no one new
2021- Did nothing
2022- This BS
I really hate being an islanders fan a lot of the time
He signsd for 9.75mil though, and Seravelli said it as a rumor. The 12m was never confirmed
the only close to concrete number i've heard is Calgary offering up 8x$10.5M - which, damn, man, you must've hated it there. Winters in Columbus aren't a whole helluva lot better, and you're still a 2ish hour plane ride from the coast, so I guess it's an improvement for his home life? But man, really seems odd that one of Jersey/Isles/Philly wasn't the one signing him.
the only close to concrete number i've heard is Calgary offering up 8x$10.5M - which, damn, man, you must've hated it there. Winters in Columbus aren't a whole helluva lot better, and you're still a 2ish hour plane ride from the coast, so I guess it's an improvement for his home life? But man, really seems odd that one of Jersey/Isles/Philly wasn't the one signing him.
There’s gotta be some more information. Apparently Gaudreau and Gudbranson are close, and CBJ signed Gudbranson to a 4x4 (lol), but that can’t be the sole factor in him choosing them. But at this point, the decision to go to Columbus makes 0 sense
There’s gotta be some more information. Apparently Gaudreau and Gudbranson are close, and CBJ signed Gudbranson to a 4x4 (lol), but that can’t be the sole factor in him choosing them. But at this point, the decision to go to Columbus makes 0 sense
I'm sure Aaron Portzline will put together a fascinating post-mortem in the next couple weeks. I gotta say, I'm bummed that he's not coming to the Island but I can't be too mad that he chose CBJ. Confused? Yes, definitely. But if any team deserved to be on the other end of a star player changing teams for once, it's the Jackets. Happy for their fans and annoyed at having to deal with Gaudreau 6-7 times a year now.
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