Flames Reveal Why They Had to Trade Matthew Tkachuk in a Hurry

A day before free agency Johnny Gaudreau made it clear to the organization that he had no intentions of re-signing with the team. This left Calgary without the option to trade Gaudreau, as their 8-year deal window closed shortly after. Then came the news that Matthew Tkachuk felt there was no longer a fit for him in Calgary.

After entertaining the idea of an offer sheet, Tkachuk informed General Manager, Brad Treliving his intentions not to sign with Calgary long-term as he too wanted a change of scenery. Tkachuk would be traded just five days later to the Florida Panthers along with a fourth round pick, in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a first round pick.

Many fans wondered why Calgary felt such a need to move Tkachuk so quickly. Now it has come to light that General Manager, Brad Treliving had information that Tkachuk could potentially be looking to sign an undervalued offer sheet.

The rumoured offer sheet was set to be for one year and under $8,402,975. While that value sounds low it would have immediately walked Tkachuk to unrestricted free agency if signed. But worst of all the compensation for Calgary would have only been a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick. That compensation would have been far lower than market value for Tkachuk.

This offer sheet would have forced the Flames to match the deal and lose Tkachuk for nothing next year. With the offer sheet would have come an extended window where Calgary would have only been able to trade Tkachuk to the team he'd signed the offer sheet with.