I was trying to close a deal with the Devils, and then all of a sudden, Columbus called

On the opening day of the NHL free agent market, the 28-year-old forward signed a 7-year contract with Columbus for a total of $68.25 million (cap hit of $9.75 million).

I was only talking to two teams that day. I was pretty much close to an agreement with the other team.

There was nothing from Columbus for most of the day, then they suddenly called at about 4pm.

And I said to my agent, “I want to go there. Just try to do it. That’s where I want to be.”

I’m very grateful to Columbus for that late call. I was trying to close a deal with the Devils and then Columbus called, Gaudreau told the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast.