Quote:
Originally Posted by AC
I loved Tkachuk as a Flame and I appreciate that he facilitated a sign and trade which benefited us.
But I don't like the narrative that he did it to help the Flames. He did it specifically to get out now, and to maximize a new contract off of last season's 100+ point production which he wouldn't be able to do without Gaudreau/Lindholm and another miracle season. It just happened to also benefit the Flames.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by butterfly
Regardless of motivation, it did help the Flames. He could have named one team instead of giving a list of them. Whether or not he did that to help the Flames or to capitalize on last year's stats knowing there would be no line with Gaudreau/Lindholm this year, who knows.
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100% with AC on this one and regardless of how Gaudreau's departure went down (both in respect to what we got back in return or the optics), I find it unfortunate that it's likely Johnny will get booed in his return and Tkachuk not (for the record, I don't think either should be, but that's me).
Tkachuk did what he had to for himself, period. It may come across as helping the team, but if Tkachuk could somehow force the Flames to trade him to only one particular team, and still ensure he got paid, I don't doubt for a second he'd do it.
As it stands, he simply HAD to give at least a few teams where he'd be willing to sign for big bucks at because the potential alternative was not being moved and playing here for another year and likely ending up with a lower payday.
At the end of the day, I agree with the people that think Gaudreau/his agent didn't handle things well and overall, they're just not as shrewd as Tkachuk and his were. But if I had to bet who truly thought more for the team behind closed doors? My money's on Gaudreau.