NHL trade rumors: Flames finalize Matthew Tkachuk deal with 32nd pick as Panthers ride championship wave

Nearly three years after the blockbuster trade that sent Matthew Tkachuk to Florida, the Calgary Flames have finally secured their full compensation. With the 32nd overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft now confirmed, Calgary closes the final chapter of a deal that helped launch a Panthers dynasty—and sparked years of "what if" conversations in Alberta.The Flames will officially select 32nd in the 2025 draft, according to B/R Open Ice. That pick was part of the original Tkachuk trade in July 2022, which sent the star winger to the Panthers in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt, and a conditional first-rounder.Though initially confusing—due to trade entanglements involving the Flyers and Oilers—the draft order has been finalized. The Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final run secured them the 31st pick, while the Flyers take that spot through a prior swap, leaving Calgary with pick No. 32. The Flames also hold the 18th overall pick this year via a separate trade with the Devils.Calgary ended the regular season 15th overall and fourth in the Pacific Division, finishing with 96 points. With veteran forwards like Mikael Backlund and Nazem Kadri aging, the team is expected to target future centerpieces such as Cole Reschny, Braeden Cootes, or Ben Kindel. With two first-round picks, two second-rounders, and a third-rounder, the Flames have ample ammunition to lay the groundwork for a fresh era.Meanwhile, the Panthers’ gamble on Tkachuk paid off handsomely. When Paul Maurice took over as coach, Florida’s philosophy shifted toward a more physical, relentless brand of hockey—and Tkachuk was the centerpiece of that identity. “Matthew is a tenacious, physical competitor who possesses a tremendously unique skillset,” GM Bill Zito said at the time of the trade.That vision worked. Since then, Florida has reached three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals and won two of them. In 2025, it was Sam Bennett—a gritty playoff performer and former Flames player—who took home the Conn Smythe Trophy.Also Read: NHL Rumors: Blackhawks delay contract extension talks with Connor Bedard despite rising value and strong commitmentThe verdict? While Calgary now focuses on its rebuild, Florida keeps proving that one bold trade can change everything.