One of the biggest trades in NHL history has occurred.
The Calgary Flames have acquired Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a conditional 2025 first-round pick from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Matthew Tkachuk and a conditional 2025 fourth-round pick.
Tkachuk has now signed an eight-year contract extension worth $76 million with Florida.
Huberdeau, who is 29, is coming off his best NHL season. He scored 30 goals and an insane 85 assists (115 points – third in the NHL), leading Florida to the playoffs. The former No. 3 overall pick has played 10 seasons for Florida, and has meant everything to the organization, as he is Florida’s career leader in games, assists and points. Now, he has to say goodbye.
Matthew Tkachuk, the former No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, scored 42 goals (ninth in the NHL) and 62 assists (104 points) last season for Calgary. The 24-year-old has already appeared in two NHL All-Star games (2020 and 2022), and was third in the NHL last season with a +57 plus/minus.
While Florida is getting a star in return for Huberdeau, the trade leaves many people in question. Why trade a fan favorite (Huby) in a fragile market such as South Florida? While Florida is getting a slightly better player, why break apart some of the fan base?
GM Bill Zito: “We are thrilled to be able to add a generational talent to our lineup.
More to come. This is insane, to say the least.