Flames Top 25 Under 25: #3 - Matthew Tkachuk

#3 - Matthew Tkachuk

Position: LW

Age: 20

Team: Calgary Flames (NHL)

Drafted: 2016, 1st Round, Pick 6

Last Year: #3

Voting Points: 3302

Matthew Tkachuk maintained his spot at #3 and there’s really no shame in that. He had a stellar sophomore season that was ultimately cut short by a concussion. Tkachuk continued to make a name as one of the league’s premiere scoring agitators, moving his way up into a category with the likes of Brad Marchand in Boston.

Tkachuk set a new career high in total points with 49 in 68 games (59 point pace), including upping his goal total from 13 to 24 in his second year. He also cut down on his penalty minutes, while continuing to be one of the league’s best at drawing penalties. It’s Tkachuk’s ability to become a deft scorer along with antagonizing opposing teams that make him such a likable player for the fans, or at least Flames fans.

You could argue that Tkachuk is the best all around player on the Flames as he is able to make an impact on the game in so many different ways. He’s reliable at both ends of the ice, and isn’t afraid to start a few scrums to get some energy on the bench. Tkachuk plays the game on an edge we’ve rarely seen in Calgary, and will continue to only get better/smarter at it as he ages.

At just 20 years old, he’s really carved out a name for himself around the NHL as a player that opposing fans love to hate, and I just love that.