The Calgary Flames have turned a disgruntled American forward into a king’s ransom in a late-night deal with the Florida Panthers.
After losing Johnny Gaudreau to the Columbus Blue Jackets for nothing via free agency earlier this past week, Calgary then found out from fellow 100-point forward Matthew Tkachuk that he has no interest in remaining in Alberta for the long-term future.
Rather than wait around for the disgruntled forward to walk in free agency, much like how the team was burned earlier by Gaudreau, general manager Brad Treliving opted to seek out potential trading partners. Carolina and St. Louis came close to acquiring the fiery forward, but it was Florida that ultimately offered the largest return.
And what a return it was.
In all, Calgary acquired a fellow 100-point player in Jonathan Huberdeau, a stud defenceman in MacKenzie Weegar, prospect Cole Schwindt and a first round pick in 2025 for the services on Tkachuk and a conditional fourth round pick.
The other stipulation involved in the trade is that Tkachuk would sign an eight-year, $76 million deal with the Panthers, making his annual average value a slick $9.5 million through 2030.
Tkachuk wrapped up a three-year, $21 million contract with Calgary, where he scored 42 goals and 104 points last year. In 431 total games with the Flames, he has 152 goals and 230 points.
Huberdeau, who has just one year remaining on his contract, put up 30 goals and an incredible 85 assists last year for 115 points. That ranked the 29-year-old second in the league. He will be joined by 28-year-old blueliner Weegar, who also had a career year, scoring 44 points for the Panthers. Schwindt had 40 points in 72 AHL games for the Charlotte Checkers last season.
Should Calgary find a way to lock up both Huberdeau and Weegar on new deals this coming year, it makes the trade a massive win for a franchise looking to avoid losing its second star forward for next to nothing in the coming year.
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