2017-18 Player Report Cards: Matthew Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk: Forward

68 GP, 24 G, 25 A, 49 Pts, 61 PIM, 6.4 CFRel%

Individual Grades:

MarkParkinson14: (A) If you expected anything other than an “A” for Matthew Tkachuk you either aren’t a fan of the Flames or you’ve never seen him play. Tkachuk continued to make friends in every city he visited this season, playing his “on the edge” style of hockey that his fans love and opposing cities hate. He cut his penalty minutes down, all while being near the top of the league in penalties drawn. Tkachuk’s season was cut short due to injuries, but was still super productive. His 49 points (in 8 less games than 2016-17) was a career high and the future looks brighter, even after an injury shortened season.

MGMacGillivray: (A+) I love literally everything about this kid. In my opinion he has the potential to be the Flames most game-changing player. Sure Johnny may have the offensive upside but Tkachuk possesses the ability to completely swing momentum in numerous ways, whether it be a goal, a hit, or a scrum. There are only a handful of players in the NHL that can do what he does, and he does it so well. For the most part he tapered his edge this season and towed the line quite well, you couldn’t even call his suspensions particularly egregious, maybe just unnecessary. He looks poised to get even better and has looked like an absolute steal at sixth overall.

MilhouseFirehouse: (A+) The best all-around player on this team and most consistent contributor in both measurable and immeasurable categories. Walks “the line” and has a tendency to cross it, but he’s already improved that by cutting his PIM’s almost completely in half between years one and two, and with age that’s only going to get better. Highest compete level on the squad, and that too is only going to get better moving forward. Sky’s the limit, so load the rocket fuel.

RenuSahota: (A-) He took a lot of penalties, but good for him.  He can fight, he can score, almost at that Gordie Howe hat trick.  

Our Final Grade: A

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by Mark Parkinson