me2
Go ahead foot
The offersheet while highly unlikely is a scarey threat. If tkachuk took a 1 year offersheet for $8.4m the flames would be massively screwed. If they match they can't trade him that season (offersheet rules), hence he's becomes a 2023 UFA and they get Gaudreau'd. If they don't match they only get a rubbish return of a 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
For tkachuk signing the QO has downsides. He risks getting an injured with only a 1 year deal as a safety net. He risks seeing 10s of millions disappear from his next big contract if he has a down year without Gaudreau. Worse Calgary could shove him on the second line out of spite.
The best outcome for both Calgary and tkachuk is they find another team and agree on a contract then trade+sign.
For tkachuk signing the QO has downsides. He risks getting an injured with only a 1 year deal as a safety net. He risks seeing 10s of millions disappear from his next big contract if he has a down year without Gaudreau. Worse Calgary could shove him on the second line out of spite.
The best outcome for both Calgary and tkachuk is they find another team and agree on a contract then trade+sign.