It has now been confirmed by multiple sources that it seems like Matthew Tkachuk is on his way out the door in Calgary. After the Flames couldn't come to terms with the restricted free-agent on a new contract, along with the departure of his linemate Johnny Gaudreau, the writing is now on the wall. The Flames have now been exploring trade options for the 24-year-old All-Star.
The St. Louis Blues are synonymous with the Tkachuk name, as Matthew's dad Keith played there for 9 seasons of his NHL career. Young Matthew used to hang out around the hockey rink in St. Louis with his two siblings. When Matthew and his brother Brady entered the NHL entry draft, many pundits wondered if the Blues would try to draft either of them. Now after not being able to draft Matthew, the Blues are looking to trade for him.
According to Jeremy Rutherford of the The Athletic, The St.Louis Blues offered a trade package of Jordan Kyrou (who was drafted 29 picks after Matthew Tkachuk), Torey Krug, and a First-round pick for Matthew Tkachuk. The Calgary Flames allegedly turned this initial trade offer down. Jordan Kyrou is a promising young winger who does not have the same pedigree as Tkachuk. Kyrou would also be an RFA after this season and the Flames could be stuck in the same predicament as they are now again. Torey Krug is a solid two-way defenceman but is 31-years-old and is signed for 5 more years. At first glance it may seem like a lot but once you break it down its easy to see why the Flames may have turned this deal down. We'll see if St. Louis or any other team comes in with a better offer now that we know the asking price.
