Rookie Tkachuk covets time with veterans
First-rounder eager to take shot at landing spot on NHL team’s roster
Matthew Tkachuk made the wise choice of being early for the Calgary Flames prospects training camp.
The 2016 sixth-overall pick decided to fly out on Sunday — a few days before things kick off Thursday with physicals and fitness testing — to adjust to the city, get a few ice times and workouts under his belt, and meet some of his future teammates.
It’s a good idea, especially for a guy who wants to make this city his permanent home and crack the club’s National Hockey League roster this 2016-17 season.
“I wasn’t really too nervous about the on-ice but you’re just coming into a new group,” Tkachuk said on Tuesday during informal skating sessions at WinSport’s facilities.
“You’re meeting … guys I’ve never met before. They’ve been unbelievable the first two days and I’m just getting acclimated to the city and, more importantly, teammates.”
The 18-year-old broke bread on Monday with Flames captain Mark Giordano, Matt Stajan, Lance Bouma, Brett Kulak and Lance Bouma, who have all been skating informally at WinSport this week ahead of main camp, which begins Sept. 22. “Getting used to a new team and a new city is just something that comes with the territory of playing with a new team,” Tkachuk said.
“It’s great to be in the city and see all the people around that are passionate about hockey.
“I didn’t know anybody … but I’m
It was all up to me ... I’ve been skating with good players all summer but here in Calgary this is the team I want to be playing for.
the youngest guy here and it’s nice to have the older players taking care of you and taking you under their wing and showing you around and making sure you feel at home.”
On Tuesday, while the rookies departed the ice to head to a workout, Tkachuk stayed for another 45 minutes and played five-on-five with veterans like Dennis Wideman, Deryk Engelland, Brandon Bollig and TJ Brodie. Also on the ice were Mason Raymond, Kris Russell and Jeff Schultz.
The Memorial Cup champion showed no fear in battling to score on new Flames netminder Brian Elliott, who has 165 NHL wins under his belt.
Essentially, this is the first week back at school for everyone and Tkachuk appears to have no problems diving into this situation head first.
“Right now, it’s just a few older guys and some younger guys,” said Tkachuk, the lone player from the 2016 draft who stuck around until the very end of the ice time.
“The only difference is the age separation. All of the guys are here for the same goal … that’s what is going to make this team so successful: buying in, whether you’re 32 or 18.”
To be clear, the decision to skate with the veteran-laced group was all on Tkachuk — the Flames did not initiate it, although they’re likely pleased he’s making the selfmotivated effort.
“It was all up to me,” Tkachuk said. “I wanted to come early and get acclimated before rookie camp. Rookie camp starts Friday and I’ve been skating with good players all summer but here in Calgary this is the team I want to be playing for.”
Easier said than done, of course. But, ever since Flames general manager Brad Treliving hollered his name in Buffalo, Tkachuk has made it clear that he’s going to try. The good thing? He’s finally well-rested. The Scottsdale, Ariz.-born St. Louis native, son of NHL star Keith, is coming off the busiest season of his life.
With the London Knights, Tkachuk hoisted the Memorial Cup after scoring the game-winner, went to the NHL combine, was drafted by the Flames, headed to summer development camp, attended world junior camp (but didn’t skate), and attended the NHLPA rookie showcase.
“I took a lot of time off the ice this summer to make sure I was getting healthy and make sure I was feeling better after a long year,” Tkachuk said.
“We started skating a month ago and I feel really good.”
The teenager even managed to celebrate with his Knights teammates, showing off his Memorial Cup rings in a Twitter post in late August. But that was then. This is now. And when he hits the ice on Friday as the Flames rookies begin the three-game Young Stars tournament against the Winnipeg Jets, the audition begins.
There’s no middle ground for Tkachuk this year. As an 18-yearold, Tkachuk must crack the NHL squad or else he heads back to the Ontario Hockey League.
“I know we have our testing on Thursday and games Friday, Saturday (against the Oilers), and Monday (against the Canucks),” Tkachuk said.
“It’s a quick turnaround but it gets you right in the swing of things and sets you up for main camp.”