[Signing] Flames sign Matthew Tkachuk to 3 year ELC ($925k + $850k bonus AAV)

[Cole436]

Originally Posted by Bingo

my kid was asking me about his chances of making the team.

really hard to say, but given his talent and draft position there are some assumptions.

1) He gets the call to main camp after Penticton (first cut)
2) He gets in an ex game (more specifically I would bet he plays in that Cgy/Edm split squad game opener on the Saddledome roster)
3) Even if he stinks it up he'll get a 2nd game as a 6th overall pick

But that's it. That's as far as name/draft position buys him, the rest is up to him. I think he has to look good, but also produce at least marginally. He does that and he likely plays the team's last ex. game.

I wouldn't be suprised to see him getting 9 games if he has even a serviceable preseason. It's not that we're starved on the wings, but I think the coaching staff will be really curious what a bigger team looks like with a little more room to work, and give Matt a taste of what the physicality and speed of the league is like.

I don't think making it past the 9 games will be realistic even if he has a Monahan esque showing. We're in a different position than we were three years ago that we have enough talent to let the guys on the cusp go back and develop in the CHL.

[Moneyhands23]

Originally Posted by Cole436

I wouldn't be suprised to see him getting 9 games if he has even a serviceable preseason. It's not that we're starved on the wings, but I think the coaching staff will be really curious what a bigger team looks like with a little more room to work, and give Matt a taste of what the physicality and speed of the league is like.

I don't think making it past the 9 games will be realistic even if he has a Monahan esque showing. We're in a different position than we were three years ago that we have enough talent to let the guys on the cusp go back and develop in the CHL.

I hope they only give him 3 games and then back to junior. Then they can call him up for 6 games in the playoffs! That way he slides if we don't make the 2nd round! Wishful thinking on my part

[Plaedo]

Originally Posted by Cole436

I wouldn't be suprised to see him getting 9 games if he has even a serviceable preseason. It's not that we're starved on the wings, but I think the coaching staff will be really curious what a bigger team looks like with a little more room to work, and give Matt a taste of what the physicality and speed of the league is like.

I don't think making it past the 9 games will be realistic even if he has a Monahan esque showing. We're in a different position than we were three years ago that we have enough talent to let the guys on the cusp go back and develop in the CHL.

Good point - we are in a very different position than we were, but I have to say that if Tkachuk goes and produces 6-3-9 in 9 GP (actually in 8, his ninth he didn't get a point), while still being raw, unpolished, yet serviceable, I think they keep him up. You'd have to think that in doing so he would have formed some pretty good chemistry with members of the top 6, and that would be exciting, probably for fans and management alike.

[Plaedo]

I also stumbled upon this, which makes me realize how unlikely a full 9 games while being sent back to the CHL has been... (article from 2013, I'm not sure how much it has changed in 2014 and 2015)

Most rookies don't get the proverbial "9-game tryout" at the NHL-level before going back to junior. Despite the dozens of rookies selected in the first round from CHL clubs since the institution of the salary cap, only four have played nine games before being sent back to their CHL team:

Wojtek Wolski (Colorado to Brampton, 2006-07)
Luc Bourdon (Vancouver to Val-d'Or, 2006-07)
Nino Niederreiter (NY Islanders to Portland, 2010-11)
Brett Bulmer (Minnesota to Kelowna, 2011-12)
(The other names are players that are from Europe or the NCAA and were assigned to the AHL at the 9-game mark)

A fifth, Scott Laughton in 2013, played five games for Philadelphia before being sent down to Oshawa. In 2013, five games was the maximum a junior-aged player could play before a year was taken off of his entry-level contract.

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/blogs/jr...202114567.html

[mile]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

I think he's an even better bet than Monahan and Bennett were to make the team for the following reasons.

1 - he plays wing which is the easiest position to break in as a young player because the defensive responsibilities are easier and less critical
2 - he has NHL size/strength
3 - he plays a very pro style where he relishes going to the hard areas where goals are scored
4 - he might be the 2nd most skilled winger in training camp

I think he's the most NHL ready prospect we've drafted since I've been watching (~20 years now). Craig Button seemed to think he's NHL ready too.

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

His age/experience works in his favor too. Little older in his draft year, will turn 19 in December.

I keep going back to Landeskog as a reference when I read these, it sounds like he and Tkachuk have very similar qualities. Pro-style game, NHL size/strength, and a little older in their draft years.

It would be expecting a lot to think Tkachuk could make the same impact Landeskog did in his rookie season, if he makes the team. But based off their OHL stats I think Tkachuk could very well end up being the better player.

[Street Pharmacist]

I can't see much benefit for the flames keeping him up. The list of effective 18 year old players is exceptionally short, and the list of players harmed by too much too soon is probably longer. I hope they're extremely cautious, though Treliving had a history of being so

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

I can't see much benefit for the flames keeping him up. The list of effective 18 year old players is exceptionally short, and the list of players harmed by too much too soon is probably longer. I hope they're extremely cautious, though Treliving had a history of being so

It's s short list yes, but it's dominated by high draft picks of which Tkachuk is one. If he's ready you don't send him down and I think he stands s good chance of being ready.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

I can't see much benefit for the flames keeping him up. The list of effective 18 year old players is exceptionally short, and the list of players harmed by too much too soon is probably longer. I hope they're extremely cautious, though Treliving had a history of being so

Flames have a huge need for top 6 wingers with size. I think Tkachuk fills a need but will have to be good enough to make it. No reason why Monahan did and he won't. Tkachuk had a much more impressive draft year (better team sure helps)
But he played more games, World juniors, Memorial cup and he has first hand experience in what it takes to be a pro. He will have a heck of a shot to make it and stick

[Max Cow Disease]

Will Tkachuk benefit as a player by spending another year in junior? It seems like he's the type of player that would probably benefit from exposure to the pros, even if in a sheltered role (3rd line next to Backlund, say) at first. I liken it to pizza under a heat lamp...it's staying warm but it just ain't getting any better under there.

[herashak]

Originally Posted by Max Cow Disease

Will Tkachuk benefit as a player by spending another year in junior? It seems like he's the type of player that would probably benefit from exposure to the pros, even if in a sheltered role (3rd line next to Backlund, say) at first. I liken it to pizza under a heat lamp...it's staying warm but it just ain't getting any better under there.

Not sure why he wouldn't. His two linemates graduate to the pros most likely so tkatchuk gets to be the go to guy. More time to focus on his skating.

[activeStick]

I think he'll line up to start with Bennett as that line's pair and they'll have a very good chance to succeed in the preseason. Their styles seem like an ideal match

[Plaedo]

Originally Posted by activeStick

I think he'll line up to start with Bennett as that line's pair and they'll have a very good chance to succeed in the preseason. Their styles seem like an ideal match

I think Brouwer is more of a lock for Bennett's wing, since both BT and GG have mentioned having a strong veteran support that can keep up with Bennett as being a priority. Hoping both pan out on Bennett's wing:
Tkachuk - Bennett - Brouwer

[Firebot]

Tkachuk is much more NHL ready than Bennett was due to his size (and Bennett may still have made it), and is similar to Monahan in that he would likely make a noticeable impact in his first year.

The guy has nothing to prove in the Juniors. He was 5th in scoring despite missing 8 games, and 2nd only to Marner in points in the playoffs. He also scored the Memorial Cup winning goal.

Unless he comes into camp like he's skating in molasses, he will make the team.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Max Cow Disease

Will Tkachuk benefit as a player by spending another year in junior? It seems like he's the type of player that would probably benefit from exposure to the pros, even if in a sheltered role (3rd line next to Backlund, say) at first. I liken it to pizza under a heat lamp...it's staying warm but it just ain't getting any better under there.

Had to quote that and it deserves more airtime...

And I totally agree... Tkachuk going back to junior is like pizza under a heat lamp.

[Rick M.]

Originally Posted by Max Cow Disease

Will Tkachuk benefit as a player by spending another year in junior? It seems like he's the type of player that would probably benefit from exposure to the pros, even if in a sheltered role (3rd line next to Backlund, say) at first. I liken it to pizza under a heat lamp...it's staying warm but it just ain't getting any better under there.

Backlund's line gets many of the most difficult matchups due to the quality of his 2-way play. Tkachuk would not be sheltered there. I see him with Bennett.

[activeStick]

Who played on the top line last year? I think Hudler started, then Ferland, Frolik, Hudler again, then Shinkaruk right? I guess my point is it doesn't seem to matter that much who it is... Johnny and Monahan seem to do fine regardless

[AC]

Originally Posted by activeStick

Who played on the top line last year? I think Hudler started, then Ferland, Frolik, Hudler again, then Shinkaruk right? I guess my point is it doesn't seem to matter that much who it is... Johnny and Monahan seem to do fine regardless

Last year, Gaudreau and Monahan spent their even strength shifts paired with:

30.87% Hudler
12.6% Ferland
9.97% Jones
5.11% Jooris
4.53% Frolik
3.64% Colborne
2.84% Shinkaruk

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Max Cow Disease

Will Tkachuk benefit as a player by spending another year in junior? It seems like he's the type of player that would probably benefit from exposure to the pros, even if in a sheltered role (3rd line next to Backlund, say) at first. I liken it to pizza under a heat lamp...it's staying warm but it just ain't getting any better under there.

If you want to shelter someone, you absolutely don't put them on a line with Backlund. He faces the toughest defensive minutes of any forwards on the team, by far.

[Anduril]

Originally Posted by codynw

If you want to shelter someone, you absolutely don't put them on a line with Backlund. He faces the toughest defensive minutes of any forwards on the team, by far.

Ideally you'd want a guy like Brouwer on the wing with Bennett and Tkachuk if he makes it in a roll similar to what Hudler did with Gaudreau and Monahan. Maybe if Brouwer builds good chemistry on the first line, you put Stajan there instead as the vet since Frolik and Backlund are a good pair, and Bouma/Chiasson have themselves to worry about first.

[Max Cow Disease]

Yeah I wasn't being overly scientific in placing Tkachuk next to Backlund as a sheltered role. I merely foresee him benefitting from prompt exposure to the bigs, sort of like Monahan did. He seems relatively physically developed as Monahan was and could hopefully be the winger version of Mony for the Flames next year.