By Jordan Long
The Calgary Flames agreed to a new contract with restricted free agent Matthew Tkachuk. The deal is 3 years, worth $21 million. He becomes the highest paid player on the team with an avarage salary of $7 million per year.
Tkachuk is entering his 4th season. Last year was his best in the NHL to this point. His speed helped him skate past the defensemen for scoring chances. If Tkachuk didn’t score, there were rebound opportunities for his teammates. He also passed to wide open teammates for goals. Tkachuk scored 34 goals and added 43 assists for 77 points. His 34 goals ranked 2nd on the team.
The Flames used Tkachuk on the power play. He set up to the right or left of the goaltender. Tkachuk scored power play goals with either his wrist shot or one-timer. Tkachuk found his teammates for them to score goals. He ended with 11 power play goals and 13 power play assists.
His play helped the Flames go 50-25-7, ending up with 107 points, 1st in the Western Conference. In the playoffs he wasn’t a factor in the Flames 1st-round playoff loss to the Colorado Avalanche, ending with 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points.
Tkachuk is young at 21 years old. His game is only going to grow at the NHL level. The Flames knew they wanted to keep him and 3 years is a start on a long-term relationship. Tkachuk might play himself into another large contract if he keeps scoring and the Flames make deep runs in the playoffs with him.
The Flames hope Tkachuk will turn into a superstar with this new contract. For now, Calgary wants see improvement in his game this season. If they earn a playoff spot this season, Tkachuk must make a bigger impact in those games. Calgary would like to win a Cup with him in the next 3 years.
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