The Florida Panthers acquired forward Matthew Tkachuk from the Calgary Flames on Friday night, and the high-scoring star reportedly agreed to an eight-year, $76 million contract.
Calgary received forward Jonathan Huberdeau, defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, prospect Cole Schwindt and a conditional first-round pick in 2025 in exchange for Tkachuk.
Florida also receives a conditional fourth-round pick in 2025 as part of the deal.
Tkachuk, 24, tallied a career-high 104 points (42 goals, 62 assists) in 82 games last season. He has 382 career points (152 goals, 230 assists) in 431 games since Calgary selected him No. 6 overall in the 2016 draft.
“Matthew is a tenacious, physical competitor who possesses a tremendously unique skillset,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a news release. “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.”
Huberdeau, 29, scored a career-best 115 points in 80 games last season while matching his career high of 30 goals. He has 613 points (198 goals, 415 assists) in 10 NHL seasons, all with the Panthers.
Weegar, 28, established career bests with eight goals, 36 assists and 44 points in 80 games last season. He has 121 points (27 goals, 94 assists) in five-plus seasons, all with Florida.
Schwindt played in three games for the Panthers last season. The 21-year-old forward spent most of the season with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League and had 19 goals and 21 assists (40 points) in 72 games.
“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. “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.”
The deal comes just days after Tkachuk reportedly told the Flames he wouldn’t re-sign with them. Tkachuk was a restricted free agent.
–Field Level Media
