I think its in the best interest of the flames to let him walk. It has ufa year written all over it and I just don't trust him coming close to this ppg. Maybe I'm wrong, but for what they'll have to pay him and for how long(29 in August) , it's a big risk

Mangiapane gets more money.

And a 20 man roster isn't sustainable over a grueling 82 game schedule and no money in case of injuries isn't wise either.

Trying to think of a way to rid of Lucic or Monahan's contract to free up cash.

Damn right, I think Johnny will be a Jeff Skinner level of signing. The Sabres are regretting that one.

Sure but Jeff Skinner was a passenger. Johnny is easily worth 9M. On the other hand Kadri's deal will likely age like Skinners

You are very likely wrong if you think he never hits a ppg again. Since entering the NHL in 14/15 he sits 5th league wide in scoring

Any year that Gaudreau has been given the tools he's produced, any year he's had a line of Monahan and Brett Ritchie/Dominik Simon/Josh Leivo/Alan Quine/Buddy Robinson etc he's had his statistically worst years. They've brought in the horses to keep Johnny productive whether that be Toffoli, Mangiapane, Coleman there are pieces there that drive lines.

Well I never said that, I said this ppg being 1.40 ppg. So I would lean to me being right more than being wrong. And he will want north of 9mil. At 9 mil flames should jump at that. 7 years if possible not 8. Hell I don't even like 7 but that's what he will get

Ill gladly take 5 years of a 90+ player and 3 years of slowing down for a bit over 9M