In an alternate universe, Treliving signs Tkachuk for 8 years.
Gaudreau still leaves last offseason, and Tkachuk enters this season in year 4 of that deal (which expires after the 2026/27 season). Do we see the Tkachuk that we see today? I think he'd be a very good player, but I'm not sure we see that version of Tkachuk, especially under Sutter.
I would also say, Tkachuk absolutely would have known about where he stood at the end of his bridge deal. Maybe not to leave but to leverage the $9M QO and maximize his pay day, which he did after his career season last year. Does he have that career season if he's in year 3 of his 8-year deal. Perhaps yes, but I've also seen Tkachuk when he's not fully engaged and it's not pretty (i.e. post-Muzzin, although Covid evidently had something to do with that too).
What seems safe to say is that he's a very good player that has found a great landing spot for him personally where he can really elevate his game (which he has). To Tkachuk's credit, he's always said the right things and never was one to avoid the spotlight so hockey people are just eating it up right now.
|