Calgary Flames: Projecting Matthew Tkachuk’s next contract
The Calgary Flames offseason revolves around giving restricted free agent Matthew Tkachuk a new contract. What should it look like?
For the last three seasons, the Calgary Flames have had themselves an absolute gem in Matthew Tkachuk. He was drafted sixth overall in the 2016 NHL entry draft by the Flames, as he was passed up by two of Calgary’s biggest rivals, the Canucks and Oilers.
The Edmonton Oilers had the fourth overall selection that year, drafting Finnish right winger Jesse Puljujarvi. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks had the fifth overall pick, as they drafted a defenseman, also a Finn, by the name of Olli Juolevi. Puljujarvi has put up just 37 points in 139 games with the Oilers, while Juolevi has yet to suit up in an NHL game.
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Over the past three seasons with the Flames, Tkachuk has managed to rack up 71 goals and 103 assists, to add up to 174 points in 224 games. He has been highly effective since entering the big league. Points aren’t the only thing Tkachuk is putting up either.
The 21-year-old forward loves to play all areas of the ice. Last season, Tkachuk put up 24 power play points while coming in third on his team in hits behind Garrett Hathaway and Sam Bennett. He’s also one of the most effective agitators in the league, even drawing the ire of Drew Doughty.
After three seasons, it’s time for a raise for Tkachuk. Shortly after being drafted in 2016, he signed his entry-level deal.
This was a three-year, $2,775,000-dollar contract, making just under $1 million per season, but now he needs a new contract. Eric Francis of Sportsnet says the Flames will almost certainly have to trade one of their veterans to sign Tkachuk.
The real question is, who could it be? After the Flames disappointingly sputtered out of the playoffs in the first round of this year’s postseason, a small shakeup certainly wouldn’t hurt. There have been rumors that T.J. Brodie, Travis Hamonic, or Michael Frolik might be leaving town soon via trade. The Flames have plenty of options when it comes to calling up youngsters from their AHL affiliate team, the Stockton Heat.
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Tkachuk’s new contract will be one of the heftier ones on the Flames roster. The Flames have just under $14.5 million dollars of cap room to work with, but they also have a goaltending predicament, as well as several other key restricted free agents who need new contracts. Some have estimated Tkachuk is in the range to make close to $10 million dollars.
Evolving Hockey projects him making just under $8 million a year for the next six years. Over eight years, this would rise to just under $10 million a year.
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The Flames have learned that negotiating with players at the last minute is costly. Johnny Gaudreau took far too long to sign with the Flames in 2017, as he missed the entire training camp and preseason that year and the Flames ultimately missed the postseason. Look for Flames GM Brad Treliving to start putting pen to paper very soon with some of the big names restricted free agents on the Flames.