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Tkachuk is still a very effective player and he's not that far off his career average in points.

I think what is drawing attention to him is that we are inundated by McDavid talk and highlights and you couldn't find a player who is more opposite of what Tkachuk is.

McDavid is the fastest player in the game, Tkachuk might be one of the slowest. You see our best player and he is slow and plodding, you see your rivals' best player and he is supersonic, plus the rival is winning and you aren't.

However, they are completely different players and bring very different things to the game.

The only reason why this is being discussed is because the Flames are not winning. Tkachuk isn't really doing anything that he hasn't been doing in years past. Again, he's not far off his career pace or even last year's pace.

I think he's had some poor games this year, but overall, I really don't see a huge difference in his play from last season. He didn't just forget "how to hockey". We are just dealing with a lot higher expectations for the team this season and there is also greater pressure given the shortened season.

Ward's mishandling of the roster and team this year has really set the team back and everything else is being magnified.

There isn't a decline with Tkachuk at all. If there is any change, it's likely due to the team telling him to "calm down", which is stupid, but not something of his doing.