Tkachuk says he wanted to signed a long-term deal with Calgary in 2019, team didn't want to
Matthew Tkachuk got a fresh start this summer when he was traded to the Florida Panthers and subsequently signed an eight-year extension worth $9.5 million per season.
Despite being with the Panthers now, Tkachuk wanted to remain with the Flames for a long time and expressed that desire during contract talks back in 2019.
During an interview on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast this week, Tkachuk said that when his entry-level contract was set to expire in 2019, he told Flames management that he wanted to sign for anywhere from six-to-eight years, but nothing came of it. He ended up holding out for most of pre-season for the 2019-20 season, but ultimately signed a three-year bridge contract before opening night.
«During this process this summer, I kind of thought back to three years prior when I was going through my contract situation then,» said Tkachuk. «Throughout the whole process after my entry-level, I was just like ‘No, [I want to sign for] six, seven, eight years. What are we doing?' And nothing really came from it.»
The Scottsdale (Arizona) native is off to a great start to his time with the Florida Panthers. In 12 games, the 24-year-old has 17 points (five goals, 12 assists), 30 penalty minutes and is a plus-six.
Source: Daily Hive Calgary
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