Johnny Gaudreau had Columbus 'circled' in NHL free agency, touts Blue Jackets' potential

Johnny Gaudreau shocked the hockey world when he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on the opening day of NHL free agency Wednesday.

But according to Gaudreau — who was one of this year's most coveted unrestricted free agents — the decision to agree on a seven-year, $68.25 million pact with the Blue Jackets was a no-brainer.

«I wanted to come here. This was always a place circled on my list,» Gaudreau told reporters during his introductory news conference on Thursday. «I'm not really sure about any other players. We're not talking about why people don't want to Columbus; it's not a topic in the locker room. For me, I just heard so many great things from former players, and it made me feel really comfortable with my decision to come here.»

The 28-year-old left wing arrived with the Blue Jackets after spending his entire nine-season career to date with the Calgary Flames. Gaudreau told the Flames earlier this week that, despite general manager Brad Treliving's best efforts to get an extension done, he would not be coming back to the team.

Gaudreau hit the open market instead, leaving Calgary after scoring 609 points in 602 games. He hit a career-high 40 goals and 115 points in 82 games last season playing with Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Lindholm. They were one of the NHL's best lines throughout the year, and Gaudreau had never performed better.

Calgary was the Pacific Division's top seed, and despite a second-round playoff exit, the future looks bright for the Flames. The forward still felt compelled to move on.

«Calgary was a special place for me. I was part of their organization for 12 years,» he said. «I loved every second I was there. But for me, I think it was just time for me to make a little bit of a change. I'll