Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau going full John Tavares

It has been vastly reported for a few days now that Gaudreau is expected to test the open market, but what is so shocking about this is that he has reportedly closed the door on a potential return, or even the possibility of circling back to the team he has spent his entire career with.

Gaudreau was originally drafted in the fourth round by the Flames in 2011. After three years at Boston College, he earned a regular spot in the Calgary lineup for the 2014-15 season. He spent the last eight years playing for the Flames, producing a total 609 points (210 goals & 399 assists) in 602 regular season games. He has also tallied 33 points (11 goals & 22 assists) in 42 career playoff games.

Gaudreau, a New Jersey native, is coming off a career year in which he scored a career high 40 goals and produced 115 points in 82 regular season games. He added 14 points (3 goals & 11 assists) in 12 playoff games. The 28-year-old finished fourth in Hart trophy voting as the leagues most valuable player this season. It is highly likely we see Johnny Hockey land a massive contract this off-season, but unfortunately for Flames fans, it sounds like it won't be in Calgary.