Johnny Gaudreau twists the knife in further for Devils fans in latest interview

Johnny Gaudreau's recent signing as a free agent with the Columbus Blue Jackets surprised a lot of people. Perhaps the best free agent available at the time, many felt Gaudreau would end up with the New Jersey Devils. After all, Johnny Hockey was born and raised in New Jersey and seemed to be interested in moving closer to home after deciding the leave the Calgary Flames. In a new interview with Spittin' Chiclets, Gaudreau admits he was very close to signing on the dotted line with the Devils, and then the Blue Jackets called.

"I was super thankful Columbus called during that late hour in the afternoon because I was pretty much, I think I was trying to get a deal done with the Devils and then Columbus called. And I was like 'I wanna go here', and then my agent got it done," said Gaudreau.

For New Jersey fans, who were very hopeful Gaudreau would choose to return to his hometown state, this likely makes his signing with the Blue Jackets all that much more painful. If Columbus GM Jarmo Kekäläinen hadn't made that late call, Gaudreau would likely be in a Devils' uniform next season.

As has been stated, Gaudreau left money on the table to leave Calgary. It's also worth noting that Columbus wasn't really offering any more money or term than any other team in the mix. It's clear Gaudreau knew what he wanted as soon as Columbus called, much to the agony of Devils' fans.

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