Johnny Gaudreau Signs, Crosby Has Concussion, Nikita Kucherov Deal & More

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After a long, tumultuous offseason, Johnny Gaudreau has finally re-signed with the Calgary Flames. The deal was officially announced Monday through the Flame’s official Twitter account and was later confirmed by Gaudreau shortly thereafter. The deal will keep Gaudreau in Calgary for the next six seasons and comes with a cap hit of $6.75 million.

Through his Twitter, Gaudreau had the following to say about signing:

I have decided to resign with the Calgary Flames. As I have always said, I just want to play hockey. I want to be there for my teammates and for the fans of Calgary. I want to thank my family and my agent for all their support during this process. I couldn’t have done it without them.

– Johnny Gaudreau

Despite his size at 5 foot 9, 157 pounds, Gaudreau has found success at every level of hockey that he’s played in. A fourth-round draft pick of Calgary in 2011, Gaudreau went on to have a prolific career with the Boston College Screaming Eagles, recording 78 goals and 175 points in just 119 games.

In his first two years with the Flames, Gaudreau hasn’t missed a beat. In his one-game audition in 2014 following the conclusion of his career at Boston College, Gaudreau scored a goal. In 80 games in his rookie season, Gaudreau scored 24 goals and 64 points and put up an even more impressive season in his sophomore season with 79 games played, 30 goals, and 78 points.

Sidney Crosby Suffers Concussion

Some unfortunate news was announced Monday as Pittsburgh Penguins Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Rutherford announced that Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion. This isn’t the first time Crosby has dealt with such an injuries as he’s dealt with concussions for much of his career, which has made his successes that much more impressive.

Crosby’s concussion issues were so serious, at one point, that he was limited to just 69 games over the course of two seasons from 2010 until 2012. There was speculation at that point that Crosby might even have to retire as a result, which was something that no hockey fan should ever wish on any player, let alone the best player in the game.

In 707 NHL games, Crosby has scored an impressive 338 goals and 998 points. He’s also led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups since the 2009 season. As it stands, there haven’t been many details released on the situation and the Penguins are looking to do some internal testing and management in this regard to ensure the best, and quickest recovery for their superstar.

As it stands, coach Mike Sullivan said “It happened in practice on Friday” and went on to say “He came to the rink on Saturday not feeling well and we went from there.” Other than those two statements, not much has been said about the 29-year-old captain.

Nikita Kucherov to Sign Bridge Deal

According to Bob McKenzie, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Nikita Kucherov are closing in on a bridge deal that will keep the 23-year-old in Tampa Bay. The deal is not yet official and the terms have not yet been announced.

Kucherov has been one of the best Lightning players over the last few years. In 82 games two seasons ago, the young Russian scored 28 goals and 64 points as well as 10 goals and 22 points in 26 playoff games. Last season, Kucherov scored 30 goals and 66 points in 77 games as well as 11 goals and 19 points in 17 playoff games.

Mitch Marner Makes Leafs Roster

Mitch Marner is officially a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs Roster. The 19-year-old forward was a standout in the OHL with the London Knights and showed the Maple Leafs all he had to this preseason to earn himself a permanent job with the team.

In 184 games at the OHL level with the Knights, Marner scored 96 goals and 301 points. He’s scored over 115 points in each of his last two seasons in the OHL and even scored 16 goals and 44 points in 18 game sin the playoffs last season for the Knights.

“He’s not on a (nine-game) tryout. At this point he’s made the team,” Lamoriello said as reported by TSN’s Mark Masters.

The Maple Leafs are looking to start playing their young, talented prospects that they’ve accumulated over the last few years. Leading the charge in Toronto is Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner. The former fourth overall draft pick is finally getting his chance to make his mark in the NHL; one he surely won’t want to waste.

Odds and Ends

– Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny Make Flyers Opening Day Roster

– Christian Ehrhoff was released from his PTO with the Bruins

– Lauri Korpikoski signs with Dallas Stars

– Radko Gudas received a six-game suspension for his hit on Austin Czarnik

– Austin Czarnik was diagnosed with a concussion and is out for 7-10 days. Adam McQuaid is out as well.

– Brandon Prust didn’t make the Leafs roster but is invited to keep skating with them

– Andrew Desjardins is out for 4-6 weeks.