Calgary Flames
Tkachuk Trade Not Imminent, But Certainly Possible Says Insider
The Calgary Flames aren’t likely to trade Matthew Tkachuk, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the team considers a deal.
When rumors surfaced that Matthew Thachuk could be a player traded by the Calgary Flames this offseason, there was legitimate beef among the Flames fan base that the rumors were unfounded, that the Flames would never be dumb enough to trade their best player and that the rumored return was a joke. Understandably, any thought that one of the top players on any team could be dealt is fodder for criticism for fans who don’t want to believe it’s possible.
There’s good news and bad news when it comes to this rumor if you’re a Flames fan or an advocate for the team keeping Tkachuk. The good news is, a trade is not likely imminent, if one happens. The bad news is, according to one trusted insider, a trade is certainly possible.
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The original rumor started when Shane O’Brien, said during The Power Play with Steve Kouleas podcast that Tkachuk might want out of Calgary and to go to the St. Louis Blues. As Chris Johnston of Sportsnet points out, “It’s no real secret that Tkachuk may want to play for the Blues — a team his father starred for — one day”. The report notes however, when Johnston was asked, he didn’t believe anything was imminent.
“I don’t know that he’s asked for a trade, in fact I don’t think that’s the case, but if this isn’t an off-season where they move one or both of Monahan and Gaudreau maybe they have to go there,” Johnston told Halford and Brough on Sportsnet 650. He added, “I do think there’s fundamental shifts going to happen in that organization and Tkachuk signed a shorter term second contract, so there’s a financial decision pending on him and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to connect all the dots and suggest perhaps he’ll play somewhere else.”
In other words… will Tkachuk want to leave Calgary for the Blues at some point? Probably. Is it happening anytime soon? Only if the Flames can’t work out a trade that includes one of Gaudreau or Monahan. Johnston notes, “I don’t get the sense they’re shopping him or he’s demanded a trade, but almost nobody would be off the table at this point for that organization as they try to figure out a new way forward.”
Flames Are Not Shopping Tkachuk
Knowing this, the Flames are not rushing a decision on the future of Tkachuk inside the organization. He’s an RFA at the end of next season and even if he isn’t keen on sticking around, still under an element of team control. RFAs may have more leverage than they ever used to, but the Flames hold a lot of the cards here.
Calgary has invested a lot into this player. They’ve been with him through the ups and downs, and he’s certainly had a lot of both in his relatively short NHL career. He was a strong selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft and the Flames certainly won’t be tossing that out the window, simply because the player’s preference might be to, one day, play in his hometown.
The Flames will likely proceed as though this story never surfaced. They’ll focus on changing the roster by moving Gaudreau and/or Monahan if required. If that doesn’t work, GM Brad Treliving will explore other options. At that point, Tkachuk’s name might come up. If it does, the Flames will be asking for a lot in return.
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