Free agent frenzy saved its biggest signing for last.
In a move that few saw coming, the Columbus Blue Jackets came out of nowhere in the dwindling hours of free agency on Wednesday to sign the biggest fish on the market, shocking the hockey world by agreeing to terms with star forward Johnny Gaudreau on a massive seven-year contract worth an average annual value of $9.7 million.
After Gaudreau informed the Calgary Flames that he would not be returning to the team that drafted him on Tuesday night and opted instead to hit the open market, the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Islanders were all perceived as the favorites to land the sniper, as reports indicated that Gaudreau was intent on signing close to home.
Then came Columbus, who had been reportedly “lurking” in the hunt for Gaudreau for most of Wednesday afternoon but were not thought to have a chance at actually nabbing him.
Fast forward a few hours, and Gaudreau is now a Blue Jacket, joining an organization that has had trouble retaining talent in the past and is now ready to make some noise after loading up on young prospects and potential contributors.
What a whirlwind of events.
Gaudreau is among the best players to test free agency in recent memory. coming off a season in which he racked up an absurd 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points while earning serious consideration for the Hart Trophy and leading the Flames to their best season in years.
The Blue Jackets are not quite as deep as that Flames team was last season, but will assuredly benefit from Gaudreau entering the fold, and, after re-signing their remaining RFAs, should be a contender to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.
Free agency is typically known for its chaos, and this certainly fits the bill.
