Does anyone know of a comparable for Tkachuk who started their career strong, with a similar skillset, but failed to live up to their deal out of ELC?
While I know Tkachuk is rock bottom level risk for being a bust, I'm sure lots would have doubted Laine would be capable of declining after his first year. We've just been talking about how good he is and comparables (ie: Johnny), but are there similar players Tre could use to dampen Matty's ask?
Maybe Gabriel Landeskog on Colorado? Here's where I compare them. Both were drafted top 10 at their respective draft years. Both have super leader skills at very young age ( Landeskog was the youngest named captain in NHL history few years ago/ Tkachuk would possibly be named captain of Flames this year if it weren't for Gio). Not as well known around fan-circles is Landeskog is an "in-your-face, net-front disturber of Dmen and Goalies", just not as blatant or well-known as Tkachuk. Years back when in the 'Peg for Jets games, I remember very well Landeskog challenging Buff regularly but skating away before getting fully "Buffed". Also he would get in Scheifele's grill regularly, all while scoring or setting up team-mates for goals.
They are both built about the same, Landeskog is actually a little stockier but he is now 25or so...
Landeskog is signed for something like 5. 29 mil per for a couple more years. He faltered somewhat shortly after his "big signing" ( high at that time), but rebounded solidly ever since. Comparing to today's salaries, Landeskog equals a high 8 mil, at least for amid to longer term. Of course Tkachuk is more of a "for show" _hit disturber, game-in game-out but quietly Landeskog portrays a similar side with high-valued and respected scoring ability and 200'ft game responsibility while being a team leader.
Maybe just me and my take on watching Landeskog over a few years periodically, but I see a bit ofvTkachuk overall game & skill-set?
Also, JVR back when he was in T.O., a younger version. He could forecheck, hit, whack players from behind and distract them, throw them off their game, charge the net hard, disrupt the flow and then "turtle" to a degree. But then he would score when in close.
Obviously see a lot of his dad Keith's game in Matthew with a little more along the boards jam...
You know what would be really cool would be to snag Matthew's younger bro Brady off of Ottawa!! Not sure of the appropriate "pay"... But would be interesting to both Tkachuk's in Flames Get-together!!