Restricted free agent Matthew Tkachuk has agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with the Calgary Flames, the NHL team announced Wednesday morning.
Tkachuk’s new contract makes him the highest-paid Flame in terms of average annual value.
Last season the 21-year-old posted career highs with 34 goals, 43 assists and 77 points, ranking him fourth among the Flames skaters.
Tkachuk was drafted in the first round (sixth overall) by Calgary in 2016.
Defenceman Travis Hamonic revealed that the Flames group chat was buzzing after the re-signing was announced.
“The group chat sure was going this morning. You can tell, we’re excited to have him back,” said Hamonic.
Tkachuk was among the star-studded RFA class this summer that included Toronto’s Mitch Marner, Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point and Colorado’s Mikko Rantanen.
Tkachuk’s signing comes two days after Point re-signed a similar deal with the Lightning. Point inked a three-year deal with an average of $6.75 million per year.
The Flames are expected to play Tkachuk in their final pre-season game against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. Calgary kicks off the regular season on Thursday, Oct. 3 against the Colorado Avalanche.