[Trade] Tkachuk (8 yrs x $9.5 mil) + `25 4th to FLA for Huberdeau, Weegar, Schwindt & `25 1st

[activeStick]

Tkachuk always seemed to be the subject of debate even when he was a Flame, so it's not surprising it remains when he's gone. Personally, I always felt he could be a great captain for the team, but in time, which is completely fine for a 24 year old. Like Hanifin, Tkachuk is still very young and both guys are still learning. What they are right now is not close to the end of their development.

Not a fan of some people calling him a "rat" now that he's gone. When he was pushed to fight by Kassian, he answered the bell, and I'd argue he didn't need to for a guy like Kassian, who loves to smoke players when they're not paying attention on the ice. Don't think Tkachuk is a dirty player either. He's exceptional at using words to get opponents to take penalties. He's a million times more valuable to the team on the PP than in the box for fighting while his team is on the PP without him. His fight and subsequent hurt hand is a result of him believing it would set the tone for the series that ultimately was too high risk given his importance to the team's offence, but again, he's a smart player and will get better at knowing when to check his adrenaline.

[Cole436]

I don’t like this narrative. I think it’s clear that Johnny loved Calgary and the Flames, and it’s the main reason it was down to the very last second. While the situation sucked I don’t question his loyalty to being a Flame.

If this story about the captaincy is true then Chucky was only out for himself and his own legacy. While he did us a solid in giving Tre the ability to shop him, I feel Matthew was only interested in what was good for Matthew.

Johnny deserves a better legacy, especially since so many people are letting Tkachuk off the hook because of the Huberdeau deal.

[djsFlames]

It's a tough one. He clearly liked the team, probably more his teammates and the familiarity, but he undeniably did a disservice to the team with his actions.

A close 2nd place finish hurts more than being cut from contention early on, particularly in this business where assets are at stake.

[bax]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

It's a tough one. He clearly liked the team, probably more his teammates and the familiarity, but he undeniably did a disservice to the team with his actions.

A close 2nd place finish hurts more than being cut from contention early on, particularly in this business where assets are at stake.

What was the disservice?

Even if he told the Flames at the deadline he wasn’t going to sign I highly doubt they would have traded him. He gave the city the prime of his career.

Heck he could have told them at the beginning of they year he was going to free agency and I still would have kept him and had the year that we did.

[djsFlames]

Originally Posted by bax

What was the disservice?

Even if he told the Flames at the deadline he wasn’t going to sign I highly doubt they would have traded him. He gave the city the prime of his career.

Heck he could have told them at the beginning of they year he was going to free agency and I still would have kept him and had the year that we did.

They probably would've kept him for the year because of the season they were having, I agree. But

A) They could've used the draft period to work out a trade and recoup some assets, which is way better than Gaudreau simply walking, and it looks better for the team than being ditched at a moments notice. Just recall the massive PR hit and pity parade they endured in that first week. The Flames didn't deserve that after the resources and good faith they put into Johnny.

B) It would've given them enough notice to seriously prepare their plan B, as well as work with Tkachuk proactively to ensure there wasn't more fallout (i do think Gaudreau departing was a tipping point for MT).

"What's the disservice"

I mean you can't be serious with that response. The Flames were extraordinarily fortunate to get out of that situation the way they did after believing they had an extension in place and everything going according to their initial plan for the offseason at 11:59.

99 our of 100 times this situation ends way worse for Calgary (and its fans). Worth really considering for a moment before you petition for Gaudreau's legacy.

[FiveSeven]

The whole spiel was that Tkachuk is a player you love to have on your team but would hate if he wasn't.

He's not on our team anymore, so I hate him now—that brick-footed rat turtle.

[djsFlames]

I haven't come to see Tkachuk as the rat or turtle that the OOT has proclaimed him to be, but I fully expect that I'll come around to seeing it in short order when the season starts.

Probably after that first FLA-CGY game.

[CsInMyBlood]

I bet Tkachuk goes after Huberdeau. Will be interesting.

[BlindMilwaukee]

Originally Posted by CsInMyBlood

I bet Tkachuk goes after Huberdeau. Will be interesting.

Then the debate will be settled on who is faster.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

Even after the playoffs Johnny just had where he scored a series winner and was over a PPG he still can’t escape the playoff choker label

He was better this season but after game one vs. the Oilers his play went downhill big time. Flames had a couple pretty easy opponents too...he seemed to only be interested in run and gun vs. the Oilers and that wasn't playing to the Flames strengths...he wasn't alone to be fair.

[jlh2640]

I can’t wait for a time when we can stop defending Gaudreau. He held the Flames up, chose to go to some bizarre franchise that has no shot at success. Good riddance. I’m over it. He tarnished his image as a Flame. He didn’t care enough at times or he wasn’t able to elevate his play. These past playoffs you seen it. Dallas he elevated at times. But aside from game 1. Tell me where he was against the oilers. Monahan and Tkachuk also have the same problem of not elevating their games.

[djsFlames]

People will stop defending Gaudreau after we face Columbus, hopefully.

I sense he'll bring more "heart" against us than he ever did against any of the Flames rivals.

[midniteowl]

After they drew the Stars in the first round I was kind of worried because I didn't know if they can play the Stars style. Like you know, the tight checking lock em down style. Then after they survived and beat them in 7th game, I really thought they can go all the way because their next opponent knows nothing about shutdown hockey. But when they played the Oilers, it's like they've forgotten what brought them out of the first round, the blood and sweat. After they almost blew the first game they still didn't wake up. That really puzzled me.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by midniteowl

After they drew the Stars in the first round I was kind of worried because I didn't know if they can play the Stars style. Like you know, the tight checking lock em down style. Then after they survived and beat them in 7th game, I really thought they can go all the way because their next opponent knows nothing about shutdown hockey. But when they played the Oilers, it's like they've forgotten what brought them out of the first round, the blood and sweat. After they almost blew the first game they still didn't wake up. That really puzzled me.

I think a couple guys were more concerned about their point totals with their upcoming contracts than actually winning

[TheIronMaiden]

#### Tkachuk and #### Gaudreau.

[heep223]

Originally Posted by Cole436

While the situation sucked I don’t question his loyalty to being a Flame.

What an odd thing to think after he willingly left the team.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by heep223

What an odd thing to think after he willingly left the team.

He also had a chance to come back for 7x10.5 after his actual hometown teams said no thanks and he then scrambled to find any loser team to take him as opposed to coming back to Calgary.

I really don't buy he was ever coming back, they used the Flames as leverage. You don't just leave for that much less money on a whim. He knew for a while IMO.

It would be different if the Jackets made him a offer he couldn't refuse.

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by TheIronMaiden

#### Tkachuk and #### Gaudreau.

I would have been 100% A-OK if Goodrow went to Jersey, or the Islanders or Philly to be close to home.

For him to choose the BJs for way less money and then have that piece of kyit statement about "being not too close to home" .. he can go eff himself.

I'd burn his jersey if it didn't output toxic fumes after burning it.

[mile]

Originally Posted by midniteowl

After they drew the Stars in the first round I was kind of worried because I didn't know if they can play the Stars style. Like you know, the tight checking lock em down style. Then after they survived and beat them in 7th game, I really thought they can go all the way because their next opponent knows nothing about shutdown hockey. But when they played the Oilers, it's like they've forgotten what brought them out of the first round, the blood and sweat. After they almost blew the first game they still didn't wake up. That really puzzled me.

Gaudreau said “I thought we were chillin’ after the first game” when talking about the Oilers series after he signed with Columbus

[midniteowl]

Originally Posted by mile

Gaudreau said “I thought we were chillin’ after the first game” when talking about the Oilers series after he signed with Columbus

Okay...then I'm really glad he doesn't come back.