Panthers acquire Tkachuk from Flames in blockbuster trade

The Calgary Flames have traded star forward Matthew Tkachuk and a conditional 2025 fourth-round draft pick to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a conditional 2025 first-round draft pick, the Flames announced Friday.

Florida subsequently inked the winger to an eight-year deal through the 2029-30 season, the Panthers announced. Tkachuk's new contract is worth $76 million, according to Andy Strickland of Bally Sports Midwest.

The draft selection heading to Calgary is lottery-protected, according to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff.

"Matthew is a tenacious, physical competitor who possesses a tremendously unique skill set," 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."

Tkachuk reportedly informed the Flames earlier this week that he had no intentions of signing a new long-term deal with the club. The 24-year-old apparently provided Calgary with a list of teams he'd sign a long-term contract with, including the Panthers.

The Flames selected Tkachuk sixth overall in 2016. The American is coming off a career year in which he posted 42 goals and 62 assists en route to an eighth-place finish in the NHL's scoring race.

Meanwhile, Huberdeau will fill Johnny Gaudreau's spot on Calgary's top line after the latter bolted in free agency. Huberdeau was fifth in voting for the Hart Trophy last season, registering a league-leading 85 assists and 115 points over 80 appearances.

Weegar also had a strong 2021-22 campaign, tallying 44 points, 156 blocks, and 179 hits across 80 games as he earned some down-ballot votes for the Norris Trophy.

Both Huberdeau and Weegar are set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer.

"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 said in a statement. "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."

Schwindt made his NHL debut last season, going pointless in three appearances. The right winger was a third-round selection of the Panthers in 2019.