Quote:
Originally Posted by bax
This line of thinking is so strange to me. You wanted him moved because he didn’t elevate his game in the playoffs? Tkachuk’s last season in Calgary was his 23/24 year old season. That is still a very young player.
You don’t trade 100 point superstars like that. You get him more experience, surround him with leadership and let him learn what it takes. If Tkachuk was willing to stay in Calgary you do everything you can to sign him. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case.
Also, I don’t think it’s fair to take any credit away from what Tkachuk has done this season because he “plays with some good players”. He’s outscoring everybody on his team by over 30 points. He’s putting up better numbers than he did with Gaudreau.
Last thing, the east isn’t anymore open or higher scoring than the west. 7/10 top scorers in the NHL are in the western conference.
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To be fair at that point Tkachuk produced one 100 point season. He wasn't a perennial triple digit point producer. In fact if you looked at his career, the jump in production could be looked at as an anomaly.
Also in regards to the playoffs, maybe he does figure it out but in my personal opinion his weakness (skating), that hasn't seemed to improve, is something that when the speed of the game picks up, its a necessity skill to possess to be able to handle the pace of the game, especially if you are relied on to be "the guy".
Also if my comment came off as taking credit away from him for this year, not my intention. Full marks to him. I'm just acknowledging his current circumstance. Lets also however remember Huberdeau scored 115 pts with that group. Of course its tough to compare since Huberdeau isn't playing with Gaudreau but still its important to consider when looking at the season.
Its not so much about the players, its about the style of play. I think its widely known that the style of play is vastly different in the east than west.
Also I will add my opinion on Tkachuk hasn't changed when he was a Flame and now when he isn't.