Just when you thought it was safe to turn off your hockey alerts, this happens. The Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers got together to pull off a good...
Matthew Tkachuk Traded to Panthers; Flames Get Jonathan Huberdeau, More
Jul 23, 2022
CALGARY, AB - APRIL 12: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Seattle Kraken during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on April 12, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
The Calgary Flames and Matthew Tkachuk are parting ways after six seasons as part of a blockbuster deal with the Florida Panthers.
Tkachuk was traded to the Panthers and immediately agreed to an eight-year contract extension with his new organization, the team announced Friday night.
GM Brad Treliving with us says Friday’s Matthew Tkachuk trade was the first ever sign and trade in NHL history.
Calgary, Florida, and Tkachuk’s camp negotiated a contract. Tkachuk then signed the deal with Calgary before a trade was made with the Panthers. #Flames
In return, the Flames received All-Star winger Jonathan Huberdeau, defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, prospect Cole Schwindt, a lottery-protected 2025 first-round draft pick and a conditional fourth-round pick.
The Flames announced Monday that they filed for club-elected arbitration with Tkachuk, which provided them "the opportunity to continue to work with his representatives towards a contractual resolution while removing the possibility of an offer sheet."
However, The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford and Hailey Salvian reported Wednesday that Tkachuk informed the team he didn't intend to sign a new deal with the club.
The St. Louis Blues, Vegas Golden Knights, Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars were among Tkachuk's preferred trade destinations along with the Panthers, per Rutherford and Salvian.
Tkachuk played out the final year of a three-year, $19 million bridge deal he signed in 2019 during the 2021-22 campaign and was a restricted free agent this offseason.
The Flames selected Tkachuk with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft. He has been a consistent scorer over his six-year career but took a significant leap forward during the 2021-22 season.
The 24-year-old finished with a career-high 42 goals and 62 assists for 104 points in 82 games. His performance helped Calgary finish first in the Pacific Division with a 50-21-11 record.
In 431 career games in Calgary, Tkachuk notched 152 goals and 230 assists for 382 points. He'll now look to replicate that success with the Panthers.
After losing Claude Giroux in free agency to the Ottawa Senators, landing Tkachuk is huge for Florida in its pursuit of a Stanley Cup title.
There's a good chance he plays on the top line alongside Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart, but he could go on the second line with Sam Bennett and Patric Hornqvist to give the Panthers two dangerous scoring lines.
Meanwhile, the Flames deserve credit for receiving a lucrative return package despite the limited leverage because of Tkachuk's contract situation.
Huberdeau is one of the NHL's best play-driving wingers. He recorded a career-high 115 points (30 goals and 85 assists) across 80 appearances last season.
Weegar has improved his point total in each of his six NHL seasons, too. He tallied 44 points (eight goals and 36 helpers) in 80 games this past season, and there's still more offensive upside if he gets additional playing time on the power play in Calgary.
While the Flames secured other assets in Schwindt and the draft picks, the key to the trade will be re-signing Huberdeau and Weegar. They are both potential unrestricted free agents following the 2022-23 campaign.
All told, the trade sent shockwaves throughout the NHL and it could ultimately be a win-win deal for both sides if Calgary retains all the assets it received.
NHL Rumors: Matthew Tkachuk Informs Flames He Won't Sign New Contract; Trade Likely
Jul 20, 2022
SAINT PAUL, MN - APRIL 28: Calgary Flames Right Wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) gets ready for a faceoff during the NHL game between the Calgary Flames and the Minnesota Wild on April 28th, 2022, at Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Calgary Flames star Matthew Tkachuk has informed the team he doesn't intend to sign a new contract, according to The Athletic's Jeremy Rutherford and Hailey Salvian.
Rutherford and Salvian reported Tkachuk hasn't formally requested a trade but that one is "likely to happen soon" because of his position on a long-term deal.
The report said the St. Louis Blues, Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars are among his preferred destinations.
Tkachuk might be a restricted free agent, but Calgary doesn't have much recourse if he doesn't want to sign a multiyear pact.
The Flames announced Monday they filed for salary arbitration with Tkachuk. While that could result in a one-year deal, the final outcome would basically be the same. He either leaves via trade now, or he leaves later as an unrestricted free agent.
One of those scenarios is better for Calgary than the other.
Especially on the heels of Johnny Gaudreau's signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets, losing Tkachuk would be a huge blow. But the circumstances of Gaudreau's departure also provide one reason to take the best trade offer for the 24-year-old.
Matthew Tkachuk is avoiding a Johnny Gaudreau situation by notifying the #Flames he won't re-sign. Last things the team needs is to drag this out over next season. Actually doing team a favor by being honest with them.
The Flames aren't in a totally advantageous position because everybody is aware of the conundrum in front of general manager Brad Treliving. But Tkachuk is so good that he should fetch a strong return.
The Arizona native totaled 104 points (42 goals and 62 assists) in 2021-22, and his production is unlikely to slow down. He can be a franchise cornerstone for years to come.
The cost to acquire Tkachuk will be high between the assets required for a trade and his next contract. But the investment should be more than worth it.
Matthew Tkachuk, Flames Headed to Salary Arbitration amid Contract Talks
Jul 18, 2022
CALGARY, AB - MAY 18: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Calgary Flames celebrates after scoring against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period of Game One of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 18, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
The Calgary Flames took a step toward ensuring left-winger Matthew Tkachuk remains on their team for the 2022-23 campaign.
"The Flames have filed for club-elected salary arbitration with Matthew Tkachuk," the team announced. "This provides us the opportunity to continue to work with his representatives towards a contractual resolution while removing the possibility of an offer sheet."
Tkachuk is a restricted free agent heading into the 2022-23 season, so this essentially gives the Flames exclusive negotiating rights as the offseason continues.
Bryan Murphy of Sporting News explained that while players can file for salary arbitration, teams can also take them to arbitration. The latter can only happen one time during a player's career, and said player can never receive less than 85 percent of his salary from the last season in such a scenario.
If the arbitration reaches a hearing, an arbitrator will determine the salary level. The Flames could then decline the decision, which would make Tkachuk an unrestricted free agent.
However, it should be noted that the two sides can continue to negotiate prior to a hearing, which seems to be the plan given Calgary's announcement.
Tkachuk has been with the Flames his entire time in the NHL and is coming off the best season of his career that saw him post 104 points on 62 assists and 42 goals with a plus-minus total of plus-57.
That the Flames already lost Johnny Gaudreau to the Columbus Blue Jackets this offseason makes the need to keep an offensive presence like Tkachuk all the more pressing.
He is just 24 years old, coming off the best season of his career and primed to take on an even bigger role as Calgary looks to take the next step from its second-round playoff appearance in 2022.
The team will likely be motivated to keep him during the upcoming negotiations.
Johnny Gaudreau Rumors: Flyers Out; Islanders, Devils Still Interested in Free Agent
Jul 13, 2022
CALGARY, AB - MAY 26: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Edmonton Oilers during Game Five of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 26, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Oilers defeated the Flames 5-4 in overtime to win the series four games to one. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia Flyers are out of the Johnny Gaudreau sweepstakes, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun (h/t Rob Taub of News 12 New York).
However, the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils are in the mix for the veteran forward. The Columbus Blue Jackets are also a potential destination, with general manager Jarmo Kekalainen having "made a major play" for him on Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.
Gaudreau opted to part ways with the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, letting the club know of his plans to enter the free-agent market on Wednesday.
Calgary offered Gaudreau a deal worth more than $10 million annually over eight years in an effort to retain him, per Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, but the veteran still opted to move on.
Flames general manager Brad Treliving confirmed the news while speaking with reporters, saying that he believes Gaudreau was making a "family decision, and I respect that fully."
The Flyers were Gaudreau's top choice, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan. However, Philadelphia was unable to clear the necessary cap space to sign him. According to CapFriendly, the team is currently projected to be over the cap by more than $48,000.
The franchise attempted to trade James van Riemsdyk and his $7 million salary for the 2022-23 season to clear space, but no deal has come to fruition.
The Islanders were among the teams reported to heavily pursue Gaudreau this summer. Former Islanders VP of communications Chris Botta reported earlier this week that the franchise was expected to offer him a seven-year deal worth $9 million annually.
The Isles are projected to have nearly $11.2 million in cap space, per CapFriendly. They have enough space to sign Gaudreau, but they still need to come to terms on contracts for restricted free agents Noah Dobson, Kieffer Bellows and Alexander Romanov.
The Blue Jackets also have enough space to sign Gaudreau as they are projected to have almost $13 million in cap space, per CapFriendly. However, it's unclear if Gaudreau is interested in Columbus, which also needs to re-sign RFA Patrik Laine this summer.
The Devils seem like a real possibility for Gaudreau, who grew up in New Jersey. The franchise is projected to have $23.5 million in cap space, per CapFriendly, which is more than enough room to sign Gaudreau and also add some pieces around him.
The 28-year-old spent the first nine seasons of his career in Calgary, which selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 draft out of Boston College. In 602 regular-season games, Gaudreau notched 210 goals and 399 assists for 609 points.
The left wing broke out in 2021-22, tallying 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points—all career highs—in 82 games. Whichever team lands him in free agency will be very lucky.
Johnny Gaudreau Reportedly Won't Return to Flames; Will Be Free Agent
Jul 13, 2022
CALGARY, AB - MAY 26: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Edmonton Oilers during Game Five of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 26, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Oilers defeated the Flames 5-4 in overtime to win the series four games to one. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau plans to test the free-agent market, general manager Brad Trevliving told reporters Tuesday.
#Flames GM Brad Treliving is speaking with the media this evening regarding Johnny Gaudreau's status:
"Johnny Gaudreau is going to hit free agency, test the market ... it's a disappointing day to say the very least."
Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff provided additional details:
Johnny Gaudreau informed the #Flames he will not be returning to Calgary. Emotional conversation for both sides, as the Flames rolled out the red carpet to keep him.
A massive offer was presented, as we reported, but this wasn't about money.
Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic reported that the Flames attempted to sign Gaudreau, 28, to an eight-year contract extension. Calgary reportedly posted an initial offer of $76 million before upping the ante to over $10 million per season. Seravalli reported the same.
My sense is #Flames have put an offer on the table for Johnny Gaudreau - north of $10 mil x 8 years - that would make him not only highest-paid player in Calgary franchise history, but among richest in #NHL.
If Gaudreau walks, it likely won't be because of money.
However, he will now officially become a free agent on Wednesday at noon ET. Gaudreau can still hypothetically return to the Flames, but he would not be able to ink an eight-year deal unless he re-signs with the team before the free-agency deadline.
Per Pierre LeBrun of TSN, Gaudreau is coming off a six-year, $40.5 million contract. The Flames selected the former Boston College star with a fourth-round draft pick in 2011.
Gaudreau's 115 points (40 goals, 75 assists) was tied for second in the NHL last year with the Florida Panthers' Jonathan Huberdeau.
Treliving elaborated on why he believed Gaudreau made the decision to test free agency:
"I can assure our fans that we have done everything possible to keep John in Calgary ... I want to wish him and his family the very, very best. He gave us eight great years here.
"It is my strong belief that this was a family decision and I respect that fully. John has every right and we have nothing but respect for John the player and John the person.
"I firmly believe there's nothing more we could have done. We respect it ... I think this was a real hard decision for John ... I think everybody operated with the right intentions."
That was confirmed by Gaudreau's agent, Lewis Gross:
Family always comes first. That applies to tough negotiations and player decisions. No doubt this is a very difficult experience for both Gaudreau and the Flames.
Gaudreau was born and raised in Southern New Jersey. Unsurprisingly, Duhatschek reported that the Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders are thought to be the primary suitors for him.
And with that, Gaudreau joins a loaded free-agent class of 2022 that also includes Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri, Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg and New York Rangers wing Andrew Copp, among others.
NHL Rumors: Johnny Gaudreau Has 8-Year, $80M Flames Contract Offer on Table
Jul 12, 2022
EDMONTON, AB - May 24: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames skates during Game Four of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers on May 24, 2022 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Calgary Flames are reportedly willing to make Johnny Gaudreau one of the highest-paid players in the NHL.
According to Frank Seravalli of the Daily Faceoff, the Flames have offered the unrestricted free agent an eight-year deal worth about $10 million per year.
The deal would be the largest in Calgary history, while only 11 players in the league make more than $10 million per year, via Spotrac. The $80 million contract would match the deals given to centers Jack Eichel, Aleksander Barkov and Anze Kopitar.
Gaudreau is coming off the best season of his career, setting new highs with 40 goals and 75 assists. His 115 points tied for second in the NHL behind only Connor McDavid.
The 28-year-old led the NHL with a plus-64 rating and finished fourth in voting for the Hart Trophy while helping the Flames finish in first place in the Pacific Division.
It represents an even bigger breakout for a player who already had five All-Star appearances and a Lady Byng Trophy over his career.
The strong season also comes at a perfect time as Gaudreau hits the open market following his previous six-year deal with Calgary. The left wing has spent his entire career with the Flames since being drafted in 2011, but he now has a chance to choose his next destination.
Calgary clearly wants him back, although the lack of postseason success could cause him to look elsewhere.
The Flames have reached the playoffs in five of the last eight years but are yet to advance beyond the second round in this stretch. The team was eliminated in five games during a second-round loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
The New Jersey native could also look for an organization closer to home, including the Philadelphia Flyers or New York Islanders.
It creates a tough decision for Gaudreau heading into free agency.
The NHL's annual free-agent signing
period begins at noon ET on July 13. While unrestricted
free agents can sign with any team, a restricted free agent can...
