F Tkachuk becomes Flames' highest-paid player

Restricted free agent forward Matthew Tkachuk signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. Tkachuk's new deal makes him the Flames' highest-paid player. His $7 million annual average value exceeds that of Johnny Gaudreau ($6.75 million), captain Mark Giordano ($6.75 million) and Sean Monahan ($6.375 million), according to Spotrac.

The No. 6 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, Tkachuk, 21, is entering his fourth season. In 224 regular-season career games with the Flames, he has 174 points (71 goals, 103 assists) and three more points in nine playoff games.

In 80 games in 2018-19, Tkachuk posted career highs in goals (34) and assists (43).