For Calgary Flames fans, the worry that forward Matthew Thachuk might not report to Flames camp in time to start the regular season is over. At least for now.
Tkachuk signed a three-year bridge deal with the Calgary Flames at an annual average salary of $7 million per season. According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the third year of the contract will see Tkachuk earn $9 million, the same as Brayden Point.
TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie notes that Point’s three-year deal is what ultimately made it easier for the Flames and Tkachuk to come to terms.
This deal gives Tkachuk the status of the Flames’ highest-paid player, a title formerly shared by Johnny Gaudreau and Mark Giordano. The kicker here is that with a $9 million tag on the third year, Tkachuk will likely see another big bump when this deal is done.
Tkachuk’s 34 goals and 77 points in 80 games last season ensured he was going to get paid this summer. And, as one of the members of a group of RFA’s holding out for their fair share, he’s ensured his next few seasons in Calgary are more than comfortable before potentially hitting a home run in his next negotiation with the Flames.
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