Tkachuk gets standing ovation, loses in return to Calgary

Former Calgary Flames star Matthew Tkachuk received mostly positive reactions Tuesday in his first game back at the Scotiabank Saddledome as a member of the visiting Florida Panthers.

The Flames honored Tkachuk with a touching video tribute.

Flames fans gave Tkachuk a standing ovation after the video aired during the first TV timeout.

Tkachuk told reporters postgame that the moment was "special."

"I have lots of fond memories here," he said, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis. "It was pretty cool. They kept it going for a while too. It wasn't just a couple seconds thing, and it was over. Nice of them."

But it wasn't all sunshine and roses as the crowd booed Tkachuk whenever he touched the puck.

The talented agitator said he wasn't necessarily surprised by the boos.

"I've basically seen them do it to multiple guys that used to play here throughout the league," Tkachuk said. "Passionate fans here."

Tkachuk was a year away from being an unrestricted free agent when he told the Flames in the offseason he wouldn't sign a long-term contract. The club traded him to the Panthers as part of a four-player deal that brought Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar to Calgary.

Flames fans seem content with the swap, as Huberdeau is working his way toward becoming a fan favorite with a two-point night Tuesday.

Selected sixth overall by the Flames in 2016, Tkachuk spent six seasons in Calgary, recording 382 points across 431 games.

But the Flames spoiled his return to the Saddledome, defeating the Panthers 6-2. Tkachuk failed to register a point in the defeat.