Jonathan Huberdeau traded into flames

Thunderbolt in Florida! The Panthers traded Quebec Jonathan Huberdeau and several other items at Calgary Flames for Matthew Tkachuk.

If Tkachuk travels alone to the southeastern United States with a simple fourth-round pick, Huberdeau will accompany defender MacKenzie Wiegard and striker Cole Schwindt and a first-round pick, Alberta club confirmed.

Tkachuk, a 24-year-old athlete who was a restricted free agent, took advantage of the trade to sign the bottom of an eight-year contract, averaging $9.5 million per campaign. He’s coming off the best season of his career, having racked up 104 points in 82 games. He has 382 points in 431 games, all with Flames, whose goal was the sixth pick in 2016.

“Matthew is a tough physical competitor with unique skills,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a statement. He constantly contributed to the attacking sensation and quickly became one of the youngest and most talented players in the National League. We are excited to add such talents to our roster.”

For his part, Huberdeau also achieved the best season of his career, with 115 points in 80 games, which is good for a tie for second place in the scoring league in 2021-2022, along with Johnny Goudreau. Chosen by the Panthers in the third round of speaking in 2011, the St. Jerome native has 613 points in 671 career games.

For his part, Weegar has established himself as a high-quality offensive defensive man in the past two years, racking up a total of 80 points in 134 games. In 306 professional matches, all with the Panthers, who selected him in the seventh round (No. 206 overall) of the 2013 draft, he broke the scoring sheet 121 times.

“On behalf of the entire Florida Panthers organization, we would like to thank Jonathan and McKenzie for their contributions on and off the ice during their time in Florida,” Zito added. They have become exceptional athletes and human beings.”

The two men will also complete the final year of their contracts in 2022-2023. Huberdeau should receive $5.9 million, while Weegar should receive $3.25 million.

For his part, Schwindt is a 21-year-old player who managed to play three games for the Panthers in 2021-22, without getting any points. However, he had 40 points in 72 MLS games.