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Matthew Tkachuk to the Maple Leafs Rumors: Please Say No!

Today there was a rumor that somehow connected Matthew Tkachuk to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Why isn’t that a good idea?

The rumors are swirling that Matthew Tkachuk hopes to be traded from the Calgary Flames. Furthermore, the rumors suggest that he’s interested in joining the St. Louis Blues. And that makes perfect sense.

St. Louis is his home. That’s where his parents live. And it’s also where he and his brother Brady, who’s a member of the Ottawa Senators, hung out during the pandemic.

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I Hope Tkachuk Gets His Wish, Just Not to Toronto

But coming to the Maple Leafs? That’s simply not to my taste. Fortunately, it doesn’t make sense in the Maple Leafs’ bigger picture either. At least, I hope it’s not to the taste of anyone in the upper echelon of the Maple Leafs’ brain trust.

Matthew Tkachuk Calgary Flames Upper Deck

For my money, Tkachuk is simply not the kind of player the Maple Leafs need. And, furthermore, from his antics with Jake Muzzin after the Jack Campbell injury where Tkachuk “accidentally” (he says it was accidental, and who am I to disagree) landed with both knees on Campbell’s back while Campbell was in the goal crease covering a puck. Then Tkachuk innocently wondered aloud: Why are they picking on me again? What did I ever do to deserve this?

I don’t think he’d do well in the Toronto market. He’s simply too thin skinned.

Is Tkachuk a Team-Oriented Player?

[In truth, I really don’t know if Tkachuk’s landing on Campbell was accidental or not. And truly that’s not what made me goofy. It was that anyone could question his intention in the light of his previous actions where he caused injury or engaged in some action that got him suspended. When you have a reputation for playing that game, people are going to question you – even if you are innocent. That he claimed not to understand that fact seems completely ignorant of reality.]

Matthew Tkachuk Calgary Flames
Matthew Tkachuk Calgary Flames

He also seems from the outside, and all I have to go on is what I see because I don’t know the young man at all, a bit more interested in himself than he is with his team. Again, I’m only speculating; and, I can’t know this for a fact, but I’m wondering if his ways of behaving might have worn thin with his teammates. Again, I’m just trying to read the room.

What I Know about Tkachuk as a Player

Here’s what I know about Tkachuk as a player. He’s a power forward. He’s an irritator. He’s already played five seasons and the NHL and he’s only 23 years old. He’s coming into his prime.

He also once scored 34 goals in 2018-19 and was almost a-point-a-game player that season. However, that was two years ago now – not recently. I have no idea what’s left with his game.

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His Salary Puts Him Out of the Maple Leafs’ Interest Level

He’s now making $7 million per season, and this is the last season of his contract. That’s more than William Nylander makes, and you better produce well if you’re going to be with the Maple Leafs’ with that kind of a contract.

Two things: (1) I don’t think he can score more than Nylander and (2) I don’t think the Maple Leafs would want to or be able to take on his contract.

Then why am I worried? Because the whole idea gives me the shivers.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. Ssdd

    June 28, 2021 at 8:16 am

    I agree that the Leafs would not be able to afford him given the flat cap. His current contract is more of a hit than Nylander & he only has 1 year left on it. He’s going to be looking for more next time, the Leafs don’t have room even if they send Nylander out. He’s certainly worth more than Nylander and probably can get back to being a 35 goal scorer that gives a team a rough edge, something the Leafs desperately need. Nylander has had 1 decent year but comparatively speaking to other players, Pastrnak & Ehlers come to mind but there are a few more, he is overpaid by about $2 – 3 million. That of course falls on Dubas who caved at the 11th hour in that negotiation. The Leafs won’t move on Tkachuk, The only positive creativity in the Leafs management team is from Brandon Pridham’s cap manipulation. Leafs will be stuck with Nylander, he will get somewhere in the neighbourhood of 30 goals (should be 50), have his usual slumps where he goes multiple games w/o scoring & of course his indifference to the defensive aspect of the game.

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