In a not so surprising move, Johnny Gaudreau will not re-sign in Calgary. NHL trade rumors had Gaudreau bolting the Flames back in January.
The big question everyone is wondering… will Matthew Tkachuk sign a long-term extension with the Flames and if not, do the Flames trade him this offseason and try and get a max return.
Most NHL Analysts think the Gaudreau decision to leave Calgary absolutely impacts Tkachuk and the latest NHL news and rumors figure a trade out of Calgary for Tkachuk is inevitable, either this offseason or at the 2023 NHL trade deadline.
Rumors floated around last season that the St. Louis Blues had interest in a Tkachuk trade.
Any team that does have interest in Tkachuk will have to have salary cap space around $10.5 million/year for the next eight years. He is in his prime and will be paid big time.
Again, these are just rumors and speculation, Tkachuk could re-sign this offseason, but if Calgary is smart, this offseason is the time to trade him when his value is incredibly high.
Without Johnny Gaudreau on the team, I am not sure Tkachuk puts up 104 points next season and if Matthew does not re-sign and posts a season total around 80 points next season, his value will not be what it is right now.
Stay tuned.
