We recently learned that the Calgary Flames would be about to trade star forward Matthew Tkachuk. After losing Johnny Gaudreau to the Columbus Blue Jackets, this would be another big loss for the Alberta organization.
Jeremy Rutherford, of The Athletic, has just added to this issue. He says that, according to his sources, Matthew Tkachuk has told the Flames that he will not sign with them long-term.
Tkachuk, who is currently a restricted free agent (RFA), could become an uncompensated free agent (UFA) in one year, as reported by Puckpedia. With arbitration underway, if he does not have a new contract before the hearing, he will be awarded a one-year contract worth at least $9 million that will take him directly to full autonomy.
In 82 games last season, the forward had 42 goals and 62 assists for a total of 104 points. He added 10 points in 12 playoff games. The veteran of 461 NHL games, all with the Flames, will therefore likely leave the team that drafted him with the 6th overall selection in the 2016 draft in the coming days.
