The Calgary Flames drafted London Knights forward Matthew Tkachuk with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.
Matthew Tkachuk
Position: Left Wing
Height: 6-1
Weight: 194 lbs
Age: 17
Club: London Knights (OHL)
Nationality: American
| GP | G | A | P | ES GPG | ES PPG | ES GF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57 | 30 | 77 | 107 | 0.526 | 1.877 | 73.737 |
(Even-strength stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)
The son of longtime-NHLer Keith, Tkachuk was the second-ranked North American skater in this year's draft thanks to an outstanding season with the Knights. He formed a dynamic trio with 2015 fourth overall pick Mitch Marner and 2014 second-rounder Christian Dvorak, leading London to the OHL final. Tkachuk finished fifth in the league in scoring, racking up 107 points in 57 regular-season games.
A "multi-dimensional energy winger," according to Elite Prospects, Tkachuk has a unique combination of grit and skill. He has no problems getting to the front of the net, and is also coveted for his ability to create scoring chances for his linemates. Despite a difference in size, many believe his game is similar to his father's - who scored 538 goals over his career.
Though he possesses incredibly smooth strides, Tkachuk must work on his foot speed to make an immediate impact in the NHL, but his skill set makes him a surefire top prospect for.
Tkachuk fits perfectly into the Brian Burke mold. A player with size who can score, hit, and play a 200-foot game is exactly what Calgary was looking for. He should fit in well with the core of Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau, and Sam Bennett for years to come.
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