Shortly after 8 p.m. ET, news broke that Johnny Gaudreau has informed the Calgary Flames that he will test free agency. Asked if there was a chance the winger would return to Southern Alberta, GM Brad Treliving said he didn’t expect that to happen. An emotional Treliving did his best to be polite, accepting that it was a family decision. (One source described Gaudreau’s call to the team as “brutal for everyone.”) But I think the Flames believed it was close, with one executive saying his team heard an eight-year deal with a $10.5 million AAV that He was going to receive it was done shortly before we found out that it went the other way. Three hours later, our inboxes rang with a Pittsburgh Penguins media release — announcing Evgeni Malkin’s four-year, $24.4 million extension. That was 29 hours after it initially indicated it would go on the market. Malkin’s contract matched what had been proposed in talks a day earlier, only to be derailed by his complete frustration with the process. According to multiple sources, a crucial part of the turnaround was getting the proud, fiery future Hall-of-Famer to take a breath, calm down and rethink. It’s not Sidney Crosby’s way to publicly opine on roster moves, but, someday, I hope he gives us a glimpse into the role he played. So with a few hours until the bell rings, here are a few things to watch out for: • All eyes are on New Jersey and Philadelphia for Gaudreau. The Flyers have indicated that James van Riemsdyk will not be traded because they are not willing to pay the cost to move the cap. A source said it was similar to what Toronto sent to Carolina – a first-round draft pick – for the Hurricanes to get Patrick Marleau in 2019. And teams prefer Philadelphia’s 2023 pick, not Florida’s 2024 pick acquired for Claude Giroux. Assuming the Flyers stick with that philosophy, it’s hard to see a path for Gaudreau — short of another major move. If they are in, they play this hand slowly. They are also believed to be interested in Dylan Strome. New Jersey was the name on many lips Tuesday night. I’d be surprised if it was the islanders. Let’s see what Wednesday brings. • With Malkin back in Pittsburgh, look for Vincent Trocheck in Manhattan. This seems to be its best application. • Florida and Ottawa remain Giroud leaders, with Carolina lurking. • Colorado could be exciting. The Avalanche have indicated they would like to explore ways to keep Nazem Kadri. It seems impossible without serious surgery, but they are trying. Kadri will receive the first offers on Wednesday and go from there. It could also go with either Josh Manson. • Mason Marchment is highly touted, though Florida tried to keep him. Also popular: David Perron. • Ondrej Palat has a few teams surrounding him. I had heard about Jersey, but I have no idea if that can work if Gaudreau ends up there. Seattle too. The Kraken are also expected to be tough after John Klingberg and possibly a veteran center like Noel Acciari (had also heard the possibility of Toronto with Acciari.) Andre Burakovsky would make a lot of sense for Seattle as well. • Carolina, Colorado and Montreal are believed to be interested in Brett Kulak • Also sounds like San Jose, in addition to Brent Burns, could move Kevin Labanc. • I’m going to guess Andrew Copp in Detroit, because I like trying to figure out what Steve Yzerman will do. There is also the belief that Dylan Larkin’s extension is trending in a positive direction. • Ilya Mikheyev guess: Washington. Now, go to sleep. We have an early Wednesday.
