Johnny Gaudreau says his unresolved contract negotiations have taken a toll, but the World Cup of Hockey has been a welcome distraction.
"Throughout the whole summer and contract situation it's been so painful because every day it's something that's on my mind,” the Calgary Flames star and Team North America forward told Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun on Thursday.
"So this tourney has helped me not worry about that," Gaudreau said. "I can just play hockey, have fun, be part of the team, and hang out with teammates. It's been the easiest part of my summer without the contract situation there."
The 23-year-old forward reportedly put talks on hold until the conclusion of the tournament, which could run until Oct. 1. The restricted free agent is apparently seeking $8 million per season, while the Flames are hoping to pay him no more than $6.75 million.
Gaudreau's representative is still free to negotiate on his behalf, though.
"I haven't even spoken to my agent in, like, a week and a half - I'll let him do whatever he thinks is best during the tournament."
He considered sitting out of the World Cup until he had a new agreement with Calgary, but couldn't pass up the chance to play in the tourney.
"I know we had a few discussions about me not playing if I didn't have a contract but you don't get many chances to play in the World Cup," he said.
"I was like, 'let's gets some insurance because I really want to play in this tournament.' Since I've been here I haven't worried about the contact at all - I've just had fun and forgot about the other things."
Gaudreau notched 30 goals and 78 points in his second full season with the Flames.
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