Observations:

Dec 2017 – There are two questions in evaluating the ceiling of Tkachuk. 1. Has he been an option for top line minutes? No, he hasn't. It's not a bad thing that he is spending all his time on a line which matches up against top talent every night, but it's not ideal for fantasy hockey. 2. Is he recieving top PP? Again, No. Calgary has looked for options of big bodies in front of the net but Tkachuk has rarely been it. He will get there though. If you can trade him for someone with similar stats now, you'll get rewarded when/if the Flames finally give him that boost. He has tremendous hands in tight and would excell in that net-front role. – Joel Henderson

Jun 2017: It was tough to include Tkachuk in the prospect category this season simply because he thrust himself into the thick of things so fast. He had great chemistry with Frolik and Backlund and rode the waves with that line. Their Corsi was dominant and their creativity was consistently wonderful from a second line. At times they were one of the most dominant lines in hockey. A few things to keep in mind for next year. Tkachuk's ice time slowly increased all season as his PP time fluxuated. His line found great chemistry in months Dec through Feb, scoring 31 points in 38 games. His production slowed near the end and into the playoffs but his ability to dictate play and his creativity with the puck suggests that his effectiveness will only increase with his icetime. He is an absolute beauty when it comes to Roto leagues and you should be lucky to have him. – Joel Henderson

Nov 2016: Tkachuk is smart and hard working. So far, he's played everywhere from the second to the fourth lines; even watching from the press box for a few. Calgary loves what Tkachuk brings to the table, especially within the system structure. Recently, he has found good chemistry with Frolik and Backlund to become Calgary's most effective line, while also recieving second PP time. What he has shown so far is consistency in his playing style. If you drafted him in your fantasy league, he's probably been exactly what you thought he would be. – Joel Henderson

Oct 2016 – Tkachuk finishes the preseason with two goals in four games while averaging over four minutes a game on the PP. Tkachuk could get a good handful of games with the Flames this season and that could turn into more based upon their lack of Top-9 talent. He will begin the season with the Flames and go from there. Be careful with his hype though, the level of hype given in fan excitement doesn't necessarily translate fully to big numbers right away. – Joel Henderson

June 2016 – The son of former NHL power foward Keith Tkachuk fell to sixth overall, where Calgary was happy to add the two-way winger to its list of prospects. Matthew's skating is the only part of his game that's iffy, although it's not a good area in which to be mediocre. Although his dad was an intimidating 50-goal man, Matthew's game has less snarl and more playmaking, which could fit in just fine with precicious stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. Mark Allan   

February 2016 – Tkachuk is tearing up the OHL scoring at almost two points per game. The big winger has a high compete level to compliment his great vision and hockey sense and elite skill level. He skates well but not exceptionally fast, can play a physical game, and is strong on the puck, can finish and create scoring plays. His physique and skill set are ideal for the pro level and his hockey sense should all translate to a high end NHL career. Peter Harling

February 2016 – What impresses me most about Tkachuk is his ability to play any style the game commands. He can play finesse as demonstrated by his 70 points in 37 games. He can play the physical game as a 6’1”, 194 pound power forward. He can think the game at an elite level for his peer group. All this wrapped up with his impressive bloodlines make him a highly attractive and safe prospect. Peter Harling

Fantasy Outlook: A

Top-six two-way winger and a sure-fire NHL player in the near future.

Footage:

Matthew Tkachuk Highlight Reel

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Matthew Tkachuk 2016 WJC Highlights

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