Quote:
Originally Posted by dino7c
Tkachuk is younger, bigger, and brings it in more areas...I think GMs absolutely love him.
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The Flames are at a crossroads and must really think long and hard about what the future looks like. Is Tkachuk the guy that you build a team around, or do you leverage that love into some blue chip prospects and picks and begin a quick rebuild over the next two or three drafts?
I don't think Tkachuk is a guy you build around or thrust into a core leadership position. Tkachuk is a phenomenal support piece and should be viewed and paid as such IMO. He is Calgary's Draisaitl in the McDavid/Draisaitl conundrum. Calgary just lost their McDavid so you have to figure out if you believe Draisaitl can carry the team, or if he's just an awesome support player. I think Tkachuk, like Draisaitl, is an awesome support player and needs that superstar on his line to really shine. Do the Flames have that player or access to that player that will allow Tkachuk to reach similar heights as last season? I don't see one on the team now and nothing in the development pipeline, so I don't think he comes close to what he did last season. I also don't believe he has the temperament or tools to be a leader. His game and personality are very divisive and you love or hate the guy. So, it is a very tough decision going forward. I wouldn't entrust the future of the team to Tkachuk. I trade him and try to build some critical mass in the 2020-2024 drafts.