Young Calgary Flame Drops Bombshell Regarding Matthew Tkachuk

After Johnny Gaudreau left, many believe that was a major reason why Matthew Tkachuk told the Flames he wouldn't re-sign long-term in Calgary, but today, former Flames prospect and current free agent Adam Ruzicka dropped a bombshell that might explain it a bit better. While talking on a podcast, Adam had this to say:

"I don't know what else played a role there, but he really insisted on becoming a Captain, and I think they couldn't fulfill that request, which played a big role in him leaving."

After spending the first six years of his career, including a career high 104 points in 2022 with the Flames, many expected Tkachuk to be in Calgary long term, given how glowingly he spoke of the city and the fans, but ultimately, the front office ended up trading him for a haul, highlighted by Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar.

Interesting. According to Adam Ruzicka in an interview with Valabik and Gaborik's podcast, he said, “I don’t know what else played a role there but he really insisted on becoming a captain and I think they couldn’t fulfill that request which played a big role in him leaving.”

— Andrew Mangiapane is the best Breadman (@FieryBreadman) September 3, 2022

There's no way to know whether there's any truth to this or not, as Calgary offered a lucrative long-term deal to Johnny Gaudreau, and were likely prepared to do exactly the same for Tkachuk, but if this is true, it's tough to see why Calgary couldn't accommodate this request. Ultimately, what's done is done, and both sides of the trade seem to be happy with where they are at, and whether this is true or not, Ruzicka may have cost himself a chance to re-sign in Calgary after publicly coming out with a statement like this.

Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports