A few months after leaving the Flames to join the Columbus Blue Jackets in the free-agent market, Johnny Gaudreau is looking forward to returning to Calgary, even if he’s not sure what kind of reception he’ll get is obtained.
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Gaudreau has pumped the Scotiabank Saddledome audience countless times since he was drafted by the Alberta club in 2011. He played his first 602 games for the Flames, scoring 210 goals and 609 points before enjoying complete autonomy.
Flames fans were understandably disappointed when he signed a seven-year, $68.25 million deal with the Jackets. But Gaudreau chose Columbus to be closer to his family — he’s originally from New Jersey — and that explanation certainly eased some of the Calgarians’ resentment.
But the boos are never far away when a star player returns to play in front of his former supporters.
“The sport is great,” Gaudreau said, according to the official National Hockey League (NHL) website. 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 this organization for 12, 13 years. It will be fun to come back.”
At the end of her seat
Like Gaudreau, Erik Gudbranson played for the Flames last season before joining the Blue Jackets. This gave him an unobstructed view of his teammate’s 40-goal, 115-point campaign.
When asked what the fans’ reaction will be, the full-back said Gaudreau has earned the respect of Calgary residents.
“They loved him,” Gudbranson said. He worked hard and did a lot of very good things. I only saw him for a year but every time he touched the puck it was like they were at the end of their seats waiting for something to happen and more often than not he made things happen so I guess that they have great respect for him.”
Special
The Jackets come to Calgary on Monday with a league-worst record of 14-30-2. But for the moment of a game, the classification will have no meaning 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 looking forward to going back and playing The Dome. It’s going to be a lot of fun, but it doesn’t matter if we’re first or last. It’s going to be a special night.”