The Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled to find an identity that translates to winning hockey. Free agent prize signing from a couple of seasons ago Johnny Gaudreau has struggled to reach his full potential in Columbus. This has led major rumors to start regarding a trade involving Gaudreau.
Kekalainen is rumored to be fighting to keep his job with his upcoming moves. Getting Gaudreau off the books and starting fresh with a re-tool could give the Blue Jackets ownership group a reason to keep Kekalainen around.
With these new rumors being revealed Johnny Gaudreau has been linked to a new potential home.
During his free agency tour, Johnny Gaudreau mentioned he wanted to return closer to home. This factored into his signing and could factor into a trade.
Two teams that were linked to Gaudreau during this time were the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers. A new rumor from Jonathan Bailey of Philly Hockey Now has indicated the Flyers could be a favorite to land Gaudreau. Bailey refers back to quotes from Gaudreau during his free agency tour.
If Gaudreau is truly made available and the Flyers believe they are close to competing adding him could be a fantastic idea. The Flyers have a strong prospect pool and could use the depth of their pool to add a top-end forward to the team.
POLL | ||
27 DECEMBRE | 89 ANSWERS RUMOR: Johnny Gaudreau Trade Incoming? Hometown Team Emerges As The Top Team To Get Him Will Johnny Gaudreau finish out his contract in Columbus? | ||
Yes | 22 | 24.7 % |
No | 67 | 75.3 % |
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