Johnny Gaudreau makes Blue Jackets a winner

Associated Press

image.jpg-1.17008942 St. Louis Blues' David Perron, left, chases Calgary Flames' Johnny Gaudreau during second period NHL hockey action in Calgary, Alta., Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh (St. Louis Blues' David Perron, left, chases Calgary Flames' Johnny Gaudreau during second period NHL hockey action in Calgary, Alta., Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)

Gaudreau had career highs last season with 40 goals and 115 points, giving him 210 goals and 609 points in 602 games in Calgary.

The Columbus Blue Jackets made the biggest splash in NHL free agency, stunning the league by landing Johnny Gaudreau with a seven-year contract for $68.25 million.

Gaudreau rendered Calgary a loser when he informed the Flames on the eve of free agency that he was not signing their eight-year offer to stay.

Columbus added a 28-year-old, six-time All-Star in the prime of his career.

The diminutive and dynamic wing had career highs last season with 40 goals and 115 points, giving him 210 goals and 609 points in 602 games in Calgary.