Matthew Tkachuk Traded to Florida Panthers For Massive Return

According to sources (and now confirmed by both teams), Matthew Tkachuk has been traded by the Calgary Flames to the Florida Panthers for a huge return. Both clubs have confirmed details of the deal and the full trade is: to the Panthers, Matthew Tkachuk (extension in place) with a fourth-round conditional pick. In return, Calgary gets Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt and a 1st round pick.

While the player fans were watching was Tkachuk, that Florida sent Huberdeau in return is no less of a blockbuster bit of news. He had 115 points this past season and finished fourth in MVP voting. Some might have called that fair deal for the Flames if it was a one-for-one (consider though that Huberdeau only has one season remaining on his current contract). Calgary is also getting a top-four defenseman in Mackenzie Weegar, a B prospect in Cole Schwindt, AND a first-round pick.

The Panthers are also reporting that they will be signing Tkachuk to an eight-year deal at $9.5 million per season. Tkachuk is considered a unicorn in the NHL, bringing a totally unique set of skills with him to Florida.

Additionally, we have agreed to terms with Matthew Tkachuk on an eight-year contract through the 2029-30 season.

— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) July 23, 2022

There was a fear that the Flames would lose the best player in the deal and it’s not even clear that happened. Not only is Calgary going to continue to have a strong team, many feel they won this trade by a wide margin. Huberdeau will immediately slot into the Flames’ top line. He is one of the best passers in the league and plays a high-tempo rush game that will help the Flames create chances.

The only possible downside to this deal for the Flames is that the two main players they acquired will need to be re-signed in the next year and that is going to cost Calgary a good chunk of change, assuming both players want to stay.

Florida GM Bill Zeto said of the trade and the reason he did it, “Matthew Tkachuk is a tenacious, physical competitor who possesses a tremendously unique skillset. He’s a consistent elite offensive contributor and has emerged as one of the most complete and dynamic young players in the NHL. We’re thrilled to be able to add a generational talent.”

This is absolutely a blockbuster deal by any sense of the definition.