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Why Matthew Tkachuk Might Want Out of Calgary [Theory]

With rumors swirling that Matthew Tkachuk might want out of Calgary, if true, we’ve got a theory as to why.

We reported yesterday news that a possible trade is being discussed between the Calgary Flames and the St. Louis Blues. It would see the central pieces of that deal be Vladimir Tarasenko (plus pieces) going to the Flames and Matthew Tkachuk going to the Blues. The reason the trade is being rumored is because many think Tarasenko’s time in St. Louis is done, while reports are now surfacing that Tkachuk wants to make a change.

Let’s focus on the Tkachuk part for a moment. Former NHL player and co-host of the Power Play podcast with Steve Kouleas, Shane O’Brien is the person breaking the news and he said that he’s hearing Tkachuk wants out of Calgary. He didn’t say there was a rift or trouble brewing, only that his preference would be to play in St. Louis. That’s an interesting part of this rumor that might potentially need a bit more explaining.

Related: Possible Matthew Tkachuk for Vladimir Tarasenko Trade Being Discussed

The potential trade talk is big. The chatter that Tkachuk might want to leave the only NHL team he’s played for is bigger. Is there a rift between the Flames and the feisty forward? Did something happen this season that would warrant the player asking to be moved? Is he part of discussions to make an overall change to the team? These are all questions people are now starting to ask as the rumor picks up steam.

The answer, as far as we can tell is that this is more about St. Louis and less about Calgary.

While the Flames had a disappointing 2020-21 campaign, the sense here isn’t that Tkachuk has asked GM Brad Treliving to trade him. Speculation is that this is more about Tkachuk wanting to get to St. Louis in some way, shape or form. Essentially, one has to wonder if he’s not hidden the fact that if the Flames have a way to make the team better and Treliving is looking at making changes, Tkachuk would be open to a move, as long as it was to the Blues. He’s simply just let the Flames know.

Tkachuk has one final year on his current deal and then he’ll be an RFA. The team still has control, but RFAs have a bit more pull than they ever used to. Thachuk might not be flexing that muscle, but what doesn’t need to happen in Calgary is for word to spread that their best player is unhappy. If a subtle side conversation has been had between Tkachuk and Treliving about the team’s future and Tkachuk’s role in it, perhaps it was simply said that he’d be hoping, to one day, play where his father Keith Tkachuk has a massive legacy and for him to go back to his home town.

What the Tkachuk Rumors Are All About [Theory]

We’d love to say Flames fans can take a breath and not worry. At this point, who knows what’s really going on here. But, we can deduce a few things just by reading the tea leaves.

This isn’t about playing with his brother. By all accounts, Brady Tkachuk has every intention to sign a long-term deal with the Ottawa Senators.

This isn’t about hating Calgary. Tkachuk may be a polarizing player throughout the NHL, but Flames’ fans love him and he seems to have a healthy respect for them, the city and the organization as a whole.

This isn’t about money. The Flames would pay him what he wants and he’s already making good coin.

This is about St. Louis and the fact that he wants to go there. This is about change; the Flames need to make some. This is about opportunity; he’s got one year left and the Blues have a big ticket they want to move.

This may lead to nothing and the Flames may have such a high ask that a trade isn’t realistic. That said, if Jack Eichel is on the move this summer, he may not be the only big player finding himself in a new destination.

Next: Possible Matthew Tkachuk for Vladimir Tarasenko Trade Being Discussed

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