A few months after turning his back on the Flames to join the Columbus Blue Jackets on the free agent market, Johnny Gaudreau is excited to return to Calgary, even if he is not sure what kind of welcome he will receive. supporters reserve.
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Gaudreau has lifted the Scotiabank Saddledome crowd countless times since being drafted by the Alberta club in 2011. He played his first 602 games with the Flames, scoring 210 goals and 609 points, before enjoying his complete autonomy.
When he signed a seven-year, $68.25 million pact with the Jackets, Flames fans were understandably disappointed. But Gaudreau chose Columbus to be closer to his family — he’s originally from New Jersey — and that explanation certainly softened Calgarians’ resentment somewhat.
But the boos are never far away when a star player returns to play in front of his former supporters.
“The sport is great, began by saying Gaudreau, according to the official website of the National Hockey League (NHL). It brings people together and I got to play there for 10 years, nine years, and I had great memories.”
“[Les partisans] are probably a little upset that I’m not here anymore. I understand. They love their team and that’s why I loved playing there so much and loved being part of that organization for 12, 13 years. It’s going to be fun to come back.”
At the end of their seat
Like Gaudreau, Erik Gudbranson played last season with the Flames before joining the Blue Jackets. So he had an unobstructed view of his teammate’s 40-goal, 115-point campaign.
Asked what the fans’ reaction will be, the fullback said that whatever it was, Gaudreau had earned the respect of the people of Calgary.
“They loved him,” Gudbranson said. He worked hard and did a lot of very good things. I only saw him for a year, but that year every time he touched the puck it was like they were at the end of their seats waiting for something to happen, and most time, he made things happen, so I think they have great respect for him.”
special
The Jackets come to Calgary on Monday with a league-worst 14-30-2 record. But for the moment of a match, the classification will have no importance in the eyes of Gaudreau.
“It’s been a tough year, we understand, and we’ve been through ups and downs, a lot of injuries and all that,” he said. I’m just excited to go back and play The Dome again. It’ll be a lot of fun, but whether we’re first or last doesn’t really matter. It’s going to be a special night.”