Oilersnation Top 10 of 2022: #10 — Johnny Gaudreau leaves the Calgary Flames, and who could the Edmonton Oilers target in free agency?

According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, the Flames superstar forward will be hitting the free-agent market and is expected to see suitors out east.

Gaudreau, 28, is believed to be garnering interest from the Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders — all three clubs with a few hours of his hometown of Salem, New Jersey.

He’s coming off his most productive year in his career and in 41 career games against the Oilers, has scored 16 goals and 36 points, so he should have no difficulty in getting a long-term deal. Despite that, it won’t be about money for Gaudreau — it’s about the location. It’s about his family. It’s about being back out east.

After drafting Gaudreau in the 4th round of the 2011 draft, there’s no denying the success he’s had in his career as an under-sized, late-round pick.

This was his last shift with the Flames.

It’s hard not to imagine the team moving on from Matthew Tkachuk, either. He is one year from unrestricted free agency and with his linemate Gaudreau off for greener pastures, you have to wonder what’s next for Tkachuk.