Matthew Tkachuk and the 9 games

[devo22]

Having played in 7 games so far, Matthew Tkachuk can play two more before the Flames have to make a decision whether to keep him and burn a year off his ELC or send him back to the London Knights for another year. Tkachuk has scored a goal and two assists so far and has played an average of 11:49 minutes per game.

I'm really curious as to what the decision is going to be. I think Tkachuk is one of the players where the NHL/AHL/juniors agreement really hurts - the AHL would probably be the best league for him right now. Personally I think playing 3rd line minutes in the NHL is better for his development than dominating against kids in the OHL, but I can see the other argument too. And in a cap world, the extra ELC year can't be ignored in the discussion as well, even though the Flames have shown to make these decisions purely based on performance (see Sam Bennett).

So, based on his first 7 NHL games, do you want Tkachuk to stay in the NHL or go back to juniors? Maybe this could even be a poll.

[Finger Cookin]

I'll understand either decision, as I don't think he's made a clear case one way or the other. If I had to guess, I'd say he's going to stay beyond the nine games. The main roster doesn't have a lot of depth on the wings, and there's a dimension to Tkachuks's game that not many of our other forwards have.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Send him down and recall Shinkaruk. You'll have a similar player in Shink and give Tkachuk another year to develop. Plus, the Flames will need the cap flexibility by pushing Tkachuk's contract another year. Smart move all around.

[dying4acup]

Originally Posted by New Era

Send him down and recall Shinkaruk. You'll have a similar player in Shink and give Tkachuk another year to develop. Plus, the Flames will need the cap flexibility by pushing Tkachuk's contract another year. Smart move all around.

Similar in production maybe. But Tkachuk plays a big game.

[Journey17]

It would be great to send him down to Stockton but that can't happen. I think he goes back as otherwise too many nights like tonight where he'd get benched to keep a lead.

Also, I wonder if they bring up Klimchuk whose game might fit better with Backlund as that's the slot available? Plus rewards a great start.

[Geeoff]

I think that if they aren't going to play him every night, they should send him back to junior. That being said, it's probably a tough choice for Gulutzan and Treliving because Matthew brings a type of sandpaper that no one else on our team really brings.

[Tinordi]

Send him down, easy decision.

[bubbsy]

I'd send him down.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

Similar in production maybe. But Tkachuk plays a big game.

A big game? Nope. Tkachuk looks like a kid trying to play a big game, but he isn't there. He's trying to throw his weight around and trying to get to the dirty areas, but his timing is off and he isn't strong enough to play that game. He still needs some time, some strength, and some work on his skating. The future is bright for him, but he's not doing much out there than any of our prospects on the farm could not accomplish.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Tinordi

Send him down, easy decision.

No, it isn't easy.

For me I can't see another year of junior helping his development.

[the-rasta-masta]

He's certainly had his moments, and this definitely is proving to be a tougher decision than it was when we kept Monahan up. I'm leaning toward sending him down, but at the same time, if he can steadily improve over the course of the season, he's likely a player the Flames could benefit from come playoff time. I have confidence the next two games will give us the necessary insight to make the right decision.

[CMPunk]

Send him back. He had one year of junior with some pretty good linemates. Let's see what he can do when he's the man.

[Split98]

Totally selfishly... come back to London!

We're huge sponsors of the Knights, and I keep including him in promotions.

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[Moneyhands23]

I think sending him down is the right move. Another year of Jr getting stronger/faster without burning a year of his elc.

Also I think we have a few guys on the farm that can slot in well on the 3rd line!

[ComixZone]

Dont care about the 9 games. Burning a year off the ELC isn't the worst thing, but burning an RFA year is a much bigger deal (which happens at...game 41?).

I believe Tkachuk stays up for now, and they see how he progresses through the next few months. He's shown he can be an impact at the NHL level, and just needs to learn how to do it on a consistent basis, which will be best served by keeping him at the NHL level in my eyes.

[PegCityFlamesFan]

After seeing how the Jets developed schiefele junior wouldn't hurt him at all. Lots of time to develop and be a winner.

[Sylvanfan]

I would send him back to Junior. He's close but I think he needs a bit more time before he's able to play his game in the NHL.

[Moneyhands23]

How good will it be to see him a step faster while playing at 215lbs!

[TheScorpion]

I'd send him down, and then bring up one of Jankowski or Shinkaruk. Edit: or Pribyl.

[Burner]

send him back to Junior till he learns to keep his mouthguard in during play