Flames’ Sutter drops shocking comments on Matthew Tkachuk!

The Calgary Flames are in Florida, which means blockbuster trade assets like Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar and Matthew Tkachuk are getting lots of attention.

Earlier on Friday, Flames head coach Darryl Sutter spoke about Huberdeau’s struggles since he was traded to Calgary, and then, he was of course asked about his former player Tkachuk, who was moved to Florida in return.

The trade came to when Tkachuk made it clear to Flames management he was not interested in signing long-term with the team, after a difficult time away from family during the pandemic. Florida was on his list of desired destinations.

Sutter explained how he saw what Tkachuk was going through, completely understanding of how hard it must have been for the young forward. This is per team insider Eric Francis:

“There were times last year, I felt sorry for Matthew. He was always at the rink…he couldn’t do anything, go anywhere, or go home.

Good on him for going to Brad about it. Obviously we lost a top player, but you score 40 goals, get 60 assists and you’re +50… Good on ya.”

Tkachuk is visibly happier in Florida, making recent interviews in which he brags about going to practice in flip flops and driving a golf cart everywhere. He loves the weather and is very grateful of his new teammates. He is looking forward for Saturday’s match up as for he, Huberdeau and Weegar, this game might mean more than others on the calendar.

Sutter has praised him and understands his decision to leave, but you have to imagine he will press his players to stop Tkachuk on the ice Saturday. No feelings for Tkachuk then!