Johnny Gaudreau Rumored To On The Trading Block This Summer

PUBLICATION

Tyler Ball
March 24, 2024 (10:50 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

After two abysmal seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and a new General Manager, incoming reports are circulating that Johnny Gaudreau's time in Columbus is coming to an end.

Johnny Gaudreau came to Columbus in free agency two summers ago. After signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets many NHL fans and media thought the team would immediately become a contender. Unfortunately for Johnny Gaudreau and the Blue Jackets, this was not the case.

In two seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team has been near the bottom of the standings and Johnny Gaudreau has struggled on a personal level. He made the move to Columbus to be closer to home and family but this seems to have backfired on a professional level. Now reports from Kevin Dupont of the Boston Globe are indicating the team might be looking to go in a new direction.

Not out of the question that the incoming GM (to be named) looks to move Johnny Hockey to a contender of Gaudreau's liking, albeit with the Jackets retaining, say, one-third of his salary.

Even with a third of the salary retained, it could prove to be a challenge for the new Blue Jackets to move the 30-year-old Gaudreau given his year-over-year decline over the course of the past two seasons.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have gotten younger in the time that Johnny Gaudreau has gotten there drafting several high-level talents. With this influx of youth, the Blue Jackets' timeline to win just does not match up with Johnny Gaudreau's window. Even with this being the case a trade that leaves both sides happy could be difficult to manage.

Taking a look at the potential of moving Johnny Gaudreau out of town

This summer the new General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets will likely want to put his own stamp on the team. Many believe this type of big first move will involve Johnny Gaudreau. The only problem that could prohibit this is Johnny Hockey's contract that he signed with the Blue Jackets.

Johnny Gaudreau when he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets signed a 7-year deal worth north of 68 million dollars.On top of that, his contract came with a No Move Clause for the entirety of the contract. This means any move made involving Johnny Gaudreau has to be approved by him and his agent.

When Johnny Gaudreau signed the contract in Columbus he partially did so because it works great for his wife who is a nurse and being so close to Ohio State's world-class medical campus was a great career opportunity for her as well. This means that while he has not enjoyed the most success himself in Columbus Johnny Gaudreau might not be all that eager to move to a new team.

As the offseason approaches the drama will continue to build in this whole situation. Once the Columbus Blue Jackets name a new General Manager then the true planning of Johnny Gaudreau's future can begin.