While each of the three has been fantastic, they aren’t the only freshmen making positive impacts on their teams.
One of the guys flying under the radar as a result of The Big Three, among others, is Matthew Tkachuk.
While each of the three has been fantastic, they aren’t the only freshmen making positive impacts on their teams.
One of the guys flying under the radar as a result of The Big Three, among others, is Matthew Tkachuk.
It was on Matthew Tkachuk’s career checklist — to score an opportunity to skate for Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.
“I had a meeting with them (Canucks) at the (draft) combine and it never seemed like they were that interested,” said the 19-year-old Tkachuk. “I knew once (Pierre-Luc) Dubois went third, that I was going to Calgary. I’m happy and grateful to be drafted by Calgary.
As impressive as those numbers are, analytically he comes out looking even better. At 5v5, the Flames control a larger percentage of the shot attempts and scoring chances with Tkachuk on the ice than any other player.
His cross-category production makes him a solid fantasy asset in most leagues because of his peripheral contributions. Keeping tabs on his offensive numbers is advised because there is upside for Tkachuk to warrant universal ownership if he starts hitting the scoresheet more frequently.
Matthew Tkachuk has 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points in only 28 games as a rookie, that’s a good start of a season for an 18-year old.
For weeks before draft day when the Calgary Flames got the sixth pick, there was plenty of talk. Talk surrounding the son of a former NHL forward and Hockey Hall of Famer, Keith Tkachuk.
His bottom-six role right now isn’t ideal from a fantasy perspective right now, but the Flames are surging and he’s finding ways to contribute, so he’s worth owning in some deeper leagues.
“I guess if you’re ready, you’re ready. It doesn’t matter how old or whatever,” Tkachuk shrugged prior to Saturday’s puck-drop. “I feel my mind is pretty mature for my age. I think I can think the game really well and kind of adapt to the NHL life, I guess.”
The 18-year-old was born in Scottsdale, Ariz., where his dad, Keith, played parts of five seasons with the Coyotes when they relocated to Phoenix ahead of the 1996-97 season. Matthew, of course, came along shortly after that.