Dec 22, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) celebrates his first period goal with center Sean Monahan (23) and center Jiri Hudler (24) against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
In their short history, the Calgary Flames haven’t had a long list of players that could be considered a ‘franchise changer’. In fact, the last one was probably Jarome Iginla, that was until Johhny Gaudreau came along.
With Johnny notching up his 100th, 101st and 102nd points in the NHL after just 115 games with the Calgary Flames, it’s safe to say he has made an impact. He couldn’t settle for just cracking 100, celebrating hitting the milestone with a hat-trick!
Related Story: Gaudreau Celebrates 100 NHL Points With Flames
When the Calgary Flames picked him in the 4th round, 104th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, it would’ve been quite easy to write him off as another guy that may make it to the Calgary Flames starting roster one day.
Just as much, he could be just another fourth round pick that never sees time in a Flames jersey and has a successful professional career elsewhere, maybe in the American Hockey League.
He’s so slick around the net. In tight areas, he’s just like a magician. – Bob Hartley (Calgary Sun)
You could argue that the draft pick of Johnny Gaudreau was just another shot in the dark, but clearly the Calgary Flames knew what they were doing when they took the youngster with the diminutive frame.
They’d seen Martin St. Louis go un-drafted only to end up tearing it up in the big leagues; no longer was being big the key element to NHL success. Skill, speed and puck control are just as important in today’s league and these are qualities Johnny Gaudreau oozes.
Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley, summed up everything Gaudreau after their win against Winnipeg, saying “He was quick. And he’s so slick around the net. In tight areas, he’s just like a magician.”
In celebrating his milestone 100th NHL point, we’re looking back at the top ten Johnny Gaudreau moments with the Calgary Flames.
Next: Honorable Mention: All-Star Fun