Tkachuk traded to Panthers by Flames for Huberdeau, Weegar Well, that's one way to solve a salary dispute

The Flames also received forward prospect Cole Schwindt and a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The Panthers also received a conditional fourth-round pick in 2025.

Tkachuk, who was a restricted free agent, agreed to terms on an eight-year contract with Florida that takes him through the 2029-30 season. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Flames had filed for club-elected salary arbitration with Tkachuk, who had reportedly told them he did not want to sign long-term in Calgary. His hearing was scheduled for Aug. 11.

“Matthew is a tenacious, physical competitor who possesses a tremendously unique skillset,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. “He is a consistent elite offensive contributor and has emerged as one of the most complete and dynamic young players in the National Hockey League. We are thrilled to be able to add a generational talent to our lineup.”

The 24-year-old had an NHL career-high 104 points (42 goals, 62 assists) in 82 games last season. He led the Flames with 12 power-play goals and 29 power-play points. His 62 assists, 104 points, 75 even-strength points and 26 multipoint performances each ranked second on Calgary, while his 17 multiassist games in 2021-22 were tied for the fifth-most by a Flames player in one season in their history. Following the regular season, Tkachuk was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team.

In 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games, he had 10 points (four goals, six assists), including his first career playoff hat trick in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Edmonton Oilers.

Selected by the Flames with the No. 6 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, Tkachuk has 382 points (152 goals, 230 assists) in 431 regular-season games and 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 27 playoff games..

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Huberdeau had an NHL career-high 115 points in 80 games last season, including leading the NHL with 85 assists. The 29-year-old helped the Panthers (58-18-6) win the Presidents’ Trophy for the first time in their history and had five points (one goal, four assists) in 10 playoff games before Florida was swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Second Round.

Selected by the Panthers with the No. 3 pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, Huberdeau has 613 points (198 goals, 415 assists) in 671 regular-season games and 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in 26 playoff games.

Huberdeau has one year remaining on a six-year, $35.4 million ($5.9 million annual average value) he signed with Florida on Sept. 7, 2016. He can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Weegar had 44 points (eight goals, 36 assists) in 80 regular-season games last season and one assist in 10 playoff games. The 28-year-old has 121 points (27 goals, 94 assists) in 306 regular-season games and five points (one goal, four assists) in 20 playoff games, all with the Panthers. He has one-year remaining on a three-year contract he signed with Florida on Nov. 6, 2020.

Schwindt made his NHL debut on Dec. 16, 2021. He had no points in three NHL games for the Panthers.

“On behalf of the entire Florida Panthers organization, we would like to thank Jonathan and MacKenzie for their immense contributions to the Florida Panthers, both on and off the ice, during their tenures in South Florida,” Zito said. “They have both blossomed into exceptional athletes and people. Their contributions as players and people made an indelible mark on our franchise and we wish them both continued success in their future.”

Tkachuk is the second top forward to leave the Flames this offseason; Johnny Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 13. Calgary (50-21-11) won the Pacific Division but lost in five games to the Oilers in the second round.