Matthew Tkachuk’s story can’t end in Calgary the same way Johnny Gaudreau’s did. After Gaudreau walked away in free agency this week, the Flames are now potentially a year away from being in the same situation with Tkachuk. Currently a restricted free agent, Tkachuk can become unrestricted as early as next July, depending on how the rest of this summer unfolds.
After how things played out with Gaudreau, though, Calgary cannot let that happen, which leaves them only a couple realistic options with very little grey area.
The best case scenario
If it’s in the cards, signing Tkachuk to a long-term contract is still the most desirable option.