Matthew Tkachuk recently informed the Calgary Flames that he would not sign a long-term deal with the franchise. On Friday night, the Florida Panthers stepped in.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that Tkachuk has been traded to the Panthers. In return, the Flames receive Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a first-round draft pick.
Friedman also notes that Tkachuk has agreed to an eight-year extension worth $9.5 million a season. An extension was a major sticking point for most interested parties.
This move is one of the largest trades in recent NHL history. Tkachuk, 24, is coming off a season in which he recorded 104 points and led his team to the playoffs. He is well regarded around the league as one of the best young players in the NHL.
The 29-year-old Huberdeau also had a career-best year. He recorded 85 assists and 115 points as the Panthers had their best season in franchise history. He served as an alternate captain with the team, as well.
Weegar's name has been on the trade block for a minute. His inclusion on the trade market, in part, due to the Panthers' desire to lock down Huberdeau long-term. The defenseman has one year remaining on his current contract.
Schwindt is a forward of the Panthers drafted in 2019. The 21-year-old recorded 40 points in 72 games with the Panthers' AHL affiliate Charlotte Checkers.
While not official, the first-round pick in this deal is likely from 2025. The Panthers traded their 2023 first to the Montreal Canadiens at the trade deadline for recently-departed defenseman Ben Chiarot. Their 2024 first-rounder belongs to the Philadelphia Flyers as a result of the Claude Giroux deal.
This Panthers-Flames deal will undeniably go down as one of the most significant deals in recent NHL history.
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