VOORHEES, N.J. -- Johnny Gaudreau finally has been enjoying some quiet time.
He's been able to visit with family and friends in his native New Jersey and played the Checking for Charity hockey tournament last weekend.
It's been a welcome respite from the whirlwind of changes that had been going on for most the past month.
He's got a new contract with a new team, and a new baby on the way.
"It's been a crazy month," Gaudreau said. "Obviously right now just spending time with my family, enjoying the summer, seeing friends and people I don't get to see throughout the year, so it's been pretty mellow for now."
Gaudreau's busy offseason began when Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving announced July 12 the forward would enter free agency after he tied former Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau for second in the NHL last season with 115 points (40 goals, 75 assists) in 82 games.
A day later, Gaudreau stunned the hockey world by signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
He's visited Columbus once, touring the Blue Jackets facilities and some areas around town. He and his wife, Meredith, are working on buying a house while waiting for the couple's first child to arrive sometime in September.
"It's been a whirlwind," Gaudreau said. "It's been a crazy two months here. It's exciting and we're really looking forward to getting out to Columbus and starting this next little chapter of our life."
NHL.com caught up with Gaudreau during his appearance at the charity hockey tournament and discussed several topics, including his excitement level for training camp, potentially playing on a line with Patrik Laine and more.
Do you feel like a rookie again joining a new team?
"I'm super excited obviously to meet all the guys. Brand new team, a lot of new faces that are part of the organization. I know a lot of players there too, I played with a lot of them, have a little bit of familiarity there."
Is there anyone you're especially excited to play with? Maybe Patrik Laine?
"You never know what the lines are going to be. Obviously, he's a really skilled player, he's got a great shot, and if I'm playing with him it's going to be great. I'll try to find him as much as I can, but there's a lot of guys on that team that are really, really talented. There's a lot of young kids that are coming up that have been drafted that are part of the organization that are pretty good too, so I'm really looking forward to it."
Have you spoken to coach Brad Larsen about his expectations for training camp?
"I've chatted with him for a little bit, only once or twice. He's just excited, excited for our team, he's excited about me coming on board with the Blue Jackets. It's kind of just small talk, getting to know each other a little bit. I'm sure all the systems and stuff like that will come into place when I get there. But for now, just kind of small talk."
While all these changes are happening, you and your wife are about to become parents for the first time. How is she doing?
"Like you said, it's a pretty stressful time trying to find a house, new team, new city. Everything's been a whirlwind, but she's been a trooper. She's excited to get to Columbus. Her due date is right around the corner here, so when we get to Columbus, it'll be [just] like that, so we're really excited."
With the arrival date so close, how much has your wife been able to help with getting out to Columbus?
"She's been good. She's done a lot of it. She's trying to furnish the house that we're purchasing. She's going to have to furnish everything and get that online. I'll obviously have to move everything into the house. She likes picking out stuff and figuring out the house and stuff like that, so she's enjoying it."
