Philadelphia Flyers Linked to High-priced Columbus Forward

It was recently reported that in the wake of what has been a dismal season, the Columbus Blue Jackets are willing to listen to offers on just about anyone. That includes their once prized possession Johnny Gaudreau, should the right deal come along. Jonathan Bailey of Philly Hockey Now wonders whether Flyers GM Danny Briere might be willing to give a major push to his re-tooling of the team by acquiring Gaudreau.

Getting Gaudreau comes with a huge price-tag, not just in terms of a deal to land him, but also by way of his massive contract. Columbus isn't about to give Gaudreau away, even if the team goes full-on fire sale route. On top of that, Gaudreau is also just in year two of a seven-year deal that carries an annual cap hit of $9.5 million.

He's not exactly playing up to that price tag either, dropping from 40 goals in his previous year with the Calgary Flames to 21 last season. So far in 2023-24, he has 6 goals in 34 games. That puts him on pace for 14 goals in a full season. The risk is there, but it could be worth it if a change of scenery brings back the old Gaudreau.