Will Matthew Thatchuk play the year with the flames?

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by Husky

Lucic would be a good vet for style of play to help Thatchuk along.

I'm sure Lucic could help This Chuk and the Other Chuk, but I'm not sure what he'd do for That Chuk.

Tkachuk, on the other hand…

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Husky

Lucic would be a good vet for style of play to help Thatchuk along.

Lucic would be a good vet for the style of contract to help not sign Tkachuk after his ELC.

[SeeGeeWhy]

Honestly don't know more about MK than the hilight packs show, but he appears to want to make a career around being good in front of the net. That's something I've never seen on a flames team... maybe ever. The only kind of player that I can imagine doing that is someone who is tough enough to take punishment... but the game is changing and that area isn't as brural as it once was. Tkachuk looks like he's made a SKILL out of it rather than being a body bag with a huge pain tolerance. As unique as that is, I'm unsure if that can work in the NHL for a young guy right away or if he is going to have to learn more before he can get to HIS game. I think he'll be evaluated but won't come up again until late in the season if there are injuries or a playoff push (or both). Too many variables in there to say otherwise.

[Crumpy-Gunt]

I think he has a chance to make the team but he will have to take someones job as I dont think we will have an open spot at forward by the end of free agency. Personally I prefer he goes back to London, captains that team and become a leader for them in all aspects. I think it would be nice for him as well so he can work on a few things like foot speed and skating technique.

All I can think of when I see this guy is a slightly slower Sam Bennett who plays wing. Has a great IQ, insanely competitive, plays 2 ways, goes to the front of the net and is a natural born scorer. I think Matt and Sam will be a match made in hockey heaven to be honest. I see both of their comparables as the exact same player - Corey Perry.
I have no doubt in my mind that they will be linemates for a long time. Both playing a gritty, high skill, high intensity 200ft game and owning the front of the net.

But I really have my doubts about Tkachuk making the Flames out of camp. I'd love to be surprised and see him get his 9 games.