Johnny Hockey back on the ice with the Flames
Dave Dormer | CBC News | Posted: October 11, 2016 3:40 PM | Last Updated: October 12, 2016
'It’s going to be a fun six years … I’m really happy.'
Johnny Gaudreau was back on the ice with the Calgary Flames on Tuesday after signing a six-year deal worth $40.5 million.
"I think this deal is a great deal for me and a great deal for the team," he said after a morning skate with the team.
"It's going to be a fun six years … I'm really happy."
Gaudreau said he understands a big contract comes with big expectations.
"Obviously the team believed in me and believes in me for the next six years and I'm going to have to perform the way I always have," he said.
He apologized to teammates for negotiations becoming "a distraction."
"It was a tough process, I didn't really know when I was going to sign but all I know is I wanted to be here for the first game," he said.
"I had a couple options but I feel like this was the best one for me, to get me back here playing in Calgary."
Flames GM Brad Treliving told reporters he's "proud" of the Gaudreau deal and "excited" about the start of the season.
"He's being compensated for who is he and where we think he can get to," he said.
"He's just got to go out and play now. To whom much is given, much is expected."
The fact Gaudreau only has two seasons to be judged on made the negotiations a little more complex, said Treliving.
"If you go back over time, there are very few players who have accomplished what he has in his first two years," he said.
"That created lots of discussion," he said.
"The good news is we got to a number that worked for everybody."
Gaudreau had been a restricted free agent since his entry-level contract expired back on July 1.
Known as "Johnny Hockey," Gaudreau was Calgary's leading scorer last season with 30 goals and 48 assists in 79 games played, putting him sixth in league scoring.
Gaudreau also featured on the high-octane Team North America at September's World Cup of Hockey, where he scored two goals and two assists in three games.
The Flames were able to sign Gaudreau before the season begins against provincial rival Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.
The Flames also announced Tuesday right-winger Kris Versteeg has signed a one-year deal with the team.
Mark Giordano will wear the C once again for the Flames this season, with Sean Monahan and Troy Brouwer serving as alternate captains.