Bigger offer on the table for Johnny Gaudreau once market opens!

On Tuesday evening, forward Johnny Gaudreau informed the Calgary Flames that he’ll be testing the free agent market on Wednesday. This only fired up the already many rumours surrounding the star forward, linking him to different interested teams, which include the Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders.

The latter is allegedly willing to offer a monster contract to Gaudreau, with general manager Lou Lamoriello planning something BIG for when the forward hits the free agent market, per insider Chris Botta.

However, Botta also notes that the Devils will play hard for Gaudreau and are reportedly willing to offer more than what Lou has in mind.

Gaudreau is coming off his most productive season, putting up career-high numbers in 2021-22, scoring 40 goals and 75 assists while posting a league-best plus-64 rating and tallying nine game-winning goals. He also got 14 points during a 12-game playoff run for Calgary.

Speaking of which, the Flames did offer Gaudreau an eight year, $80 million contract which would make him the highest paid player in franchise history.

It isn’t about money here… Gaudreau owns a home on the Jersey Shore, and his wife and his family have ties to the region, so he seems like a natural fit for the Devils, who would do anything to get a player like him for a quick rebuild.

Will the reported higher offer from the Devils get him to sign there later today?