Calgary Flames A bitter farewell to Johnny Goudreau at the beginning of NHL free agency.
Now they are separating from his classmate.
Florida Panthers announced Friday night that they have achieved further Matthew Tkachuk and a conditional fourth-round pick from Calgary.
The Flames received a lottery-protected 2025 first-round selection from forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Cole Schwindt, defenseman Mackenzie Weiger and the Panthers.
Florida also said that Takachuk has agreed to an eight-year deal. According to multiple reports, the contract is worth US$76 million.
“Matthew is a determined, physical competitor who has a very unique skill set,” Panthers GM Bill Zito said in a statement.
“He is a consistent elite offensive contributor and has emerged as one of the most complete and dynamic young players in the National Hockey League.
“We are thrilled to be able to add a generation of talent to our lineup.”
Tkachuk reportedly fueled the flames when Goudreau signed a seven-year US$68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, when the market opened that he too would not be staying in Calgary for long.
The club filed for salary arbitration with Takachuk, a restricted free agent, to eliminate the possibility of an offer sheet – which the Flames said was part of the process to come to terms on the extension.
Takachuk’s hearing was set for August 11, the last day of proceedings.
Huberdeau had a career-high 115 points last season, including an NHL-best 85 assists. The 29-year-old featured in 671 career games with Florida, recording 198 goals and 415 assists.
Weiger had 44 points (eight goals, 36 assists) with Florida last year. The 28-year-old has played in 306 career NHL games, all with the Panthers, and recorded 121 points (27 goals, 94 assists).
“On behalf of the entire Florida Panthers organization, we would like to thank Jonathan and McKenzie for their immense contribution to the Florida Panthers, both on and off the ice during their tenure in South Florida,” Zito said. “They have both grown into exceptional athletes and people.
“Their contributions as players and as people left an indelible mark on our franchise and we wish them both continued success in their future.”
And while Calgary fans would be upset to see their team lose two-thirds of their top line in short order, the Flames got nothing after losing 28-year-old Goudreau to 24-year-old Takachuk.
The pair scored 82 goals and 219 points along the edge of the Flames’ top line with Elias Lindholm.
Takachuk set career highs for goals (40), assists (62) and points.
The Arizona-born, St. Louis-raised forward recorded 152 goals and 382 points in 431 regular-season games with Calgary. Picked sixth overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, Takachuk made seven goals and eight assists in 27 post-season appearances.
The Flames finished first in the Pacific Division the previous season before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the playoffs – Alberta’s first season battle since 1991.
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Calgary’s seasoned roster, which includes goaltender and Vezina Trophy finalist Jacob Markstrom, will now seek to regroup and move on, leaving behind two of their best offensive threats.
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