Johnny Hockey back on the ice with the Flames

Johnny Gaudreau was back on the ice with the Calgary Flames on Tuesday after signing a six-year deal worth $40.5 million.

"I think this deal is a great deal for me and a great deal for the team," he said after a morning skate with the team.

"It's going to be a fun six years I'm really happy."

Gaudreau said he understands a big contract comes with big expectations.

"Obviously the team believed in me and believes in me for the next six years and I'm going to have to perform the way I always have," he said.

• Johnny Gaudreau re-signs with Calgary Flames

He apologized to teammates for negotiations becoming "a distraction."

"It was a tough process, I didn't really know when I was going to sign but all I know is I wanted to be here for the first game," he said.

"I had a couple options but I feel like this was the best one for me, to get me back here playing in Calgary."

Flames GM BradTrelivingtold reporters he's "proud" of theGaudreaudeal and "excited" about the start of the season.

"He's being compensated for who is he and where we think he can get to," he said.

"He's just got to go out and play now. To whom much is given, much is expected."

The factGaudreauonly has two seasons to be judged on made the negotiations a little more complex, saidTreliving.

"If you go back over time, there are very few players who have accomplished what he has in his first two years," he said.

"That created lots of discussion," he said.

"The good news is we got to a number that worked for everybody."

Gaudreauhad been a restricted free agent since his entry-level contract expired back on July 1.

Known as "Johnny Hockey,"Gaudreauwas Calgary's leading scorer last season with 30 goals and 48 assists in 79 games played, putting him sixth in league scoring.

Gaudreaualso featured on the high-octane Team North America at September's World Cup of Hockey, where he scored two goals and two assists in three games.

The Flames were able to signGaudreaubefore the season begins against provincial rival Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday.

The Flames also announced Tuesday right-winger KrisVersteeghas signed a one-year deal with the team.

MarkGiordanowill wear the C once again for the Flames this season, with SeanMonahanand TroyBrouwerserving as alternate captains.

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