Following a blockbuster trade to the Florida Panthers on Friday, forward Matthew Tkachuk agreed to an eight-year, $76-million contract extension, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has reported. The deal is for $1 million in salary per year, with the rest ($68 million) in bonuses.
The Calgary Flames received forwards Jonathan Huberdeau and Cole Schwindt, defenceman MacKenzie Weegar plus a first-round draft pick in 2025 in exchange for Tkachuk and a conditional fourth-round selection.
"Matthew is a tenacious, physical competitor who possesses a tremendously unique skillset," Panthers general manager 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 generational talent to our lineup."
"On behalf of the entire Florida Panthers organization, we would like to thank Jonathan and MacKenzie for their immense contributions to the Florida Panthers, both on and off the ice, during their tenures in South Florida," Zito added. "They have both blossomed into exceptional athletes and people. Their contributions as players and people made an indelible mark on our franchise and we wish them both continued success in their future."
Tkachuk, 24, is coming off of a monster season setting career highs in goals (42), assists (62) and points (104). He also added 10 points in 12 playoff games as the Flames fell to the Edmonton Oilers in the second round.
Drafted sixth overall by Calgary in 2016, Tkachuk recorded 382 points (152 goals and 230 assists) over six seasons with the Flames.
The trade came just over a week after Tkachuk's superstar linemate Johnny Gaudreau left Calgary as an unrestricted free agent to sign a seven-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Tkachuk, who was a restricted free agent, told the Flames he wasn't going to sign a long-term extension with the club, Sportsnet's Eric Francis reported Wednesday.
Calgary filed for club-elected salary arbitration to avoid the possibility of losing Tkachuk to another team via offer sheet.
