NHL Rumors: 5 Teams Linked as Trade Destinations for Matthew Tkachuk

The Calgary Flames are now working the phones, trying to trade forward Matthew Tkachuk. The restricted free-agent forward has informed management he won't be signing a contract extension next summer and now a trade is on the front burner. Not every team has a chance to land the power forward as he's also provided the Flames with five teams he prefers to be traded to. They include:

St Louis Blues

Tkachuk wants to follow in his father's foot steps in St Louis and isn't scared of all the pressure that would come with the move. The Blues know Tkachuk's desires and may not be interested in trading Jordan Kyrou to facilitate a deal, when they could just land him in free agency next summer. However they run the risk of a team acquiring him and signing him immediately and missing out on the party. Interesting spot for the Blues as the Flames likely aren't interested in Vladimir Tarasenko at this point.

Vegas Golden Knights

Tkachuk listed Vegas on his destinations list and talk about a team that has no room for him. Their cap situation is hell, it's so bad they dealt Max Pacioretty to the Carolina Hurricanes for nothing. Adding a $8 million or so player to their mix is nearly impossible. While it's preferred, Vegas isn't likely in the mix here.

Dallas Stars

Here's an interesting option as the Dallas Stars and Flames battled it out during the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. The Stars are looking for another top-six forward and currently have $11.4 million available in cap space, however have Jason Robertson and Jake Oettinger to re-sign. They have some pieces to work with and could be a player in the sweepstakes.

© Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville Predators

Certainly a touch of a surprise to the preferred list, the Nashville Predators are appealing to Tkachuk. They could use some more scoring on their wings and seem to be in good shape with Matt Duchene and Ryan Johansen enjoying bounce back seasons last year. A team never scared to make a big trade, keep an eye on the Preds this summer.

Florida Panthers

A team with a history of trades with the Calgary Flames, there could be another deal in the works this summer. The Panthers made Tkachuk's list of teams he'd sign with and look for the two general managers to discuss some options moving forward. We saw with the Panthers last season acquiring Claude Giroux, they are interested in going for it. Let's see if they have any assets left to facilitate another blockbuster.

Photo credit: © Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Tkachuk has notified the Calgary Flames that he won't be re-signing long-term, according to sources.

This makes a trade — to a team Tkachuk would be open to signing with — likely to happen soon.

Reporting with @jprutherford.https://t.co/tR9bhO1zDG

— Hailey Salvian (@hailey_salvian) July 20, 2022