Flames trade for Brian Elliott, pick Matthew Tkachuk to fill two needs at NHL draft

The Calgary Flames solved two big needs on the first day of draft weekend.

Not only did the Flames land a potential top line winger with the No. 6 overall pick in Matthew Tkachuk, but Calgary also got the No. 1 goaltender they were desperately seeking this off-season, acquiring Brian Elliott in a trade with St. Louis.

It was a hit on two fronts for Flames general manager Brad Treliving, who suggested before the draft that he'd like to keep the top pick and land a goalie.

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Calgary sent the 35th overall pick in this year's draft as well as a conditional third round selection in 2018 to pry Elliott from the Blues.

Tkachuk represented hope for the future and perhaps the present.

The 18-year-old son of long-time NHL winger Keith Tkachuk is weeks from a Memorial Cup win with the London Knights, where he posted 20 goals and 20 assists in only 18 games.

Tkachuk was particularly enthused to land in Calgary, describing the Flames as his best draft combine interview.

He was impressed by Treliving and the management ranks he came upon and says he heard glowing reviews about the organization from family as well as his agent.

"A couple picks in I knew that this was going to be the team," Tkachuk said. "And I had them circled since I talked to them at the combine and visited them after the combine.

"This is the place I wanted to be and the place I'm going to have the best shot."

Seeking more offensive talent

A St. Louis area native and product of a blossoming minor hockey league program, Tkachuk said he had close to 100 friends and family in the arena in Buffalo, all of whom were excited to see him land in his desired location.

The Flames were seeking more high-end offensive talent to pair with rising talents Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, and Tkachuk fits that bill.

A product of the U.S. National Development Program, Tkachuk finished fifth in OHL scoring during the regular season, posting 30 goals and 107 points in 57 games.

"I hope to make the team sooner than later and help the team win," Tkachuk said.

Willingness to use teenagers

How soon that day is will be a question for Treliving, though the Flames have demonstrated a willingness to use teenagers at the NHL level, including Monahan and Sam Bennett, the fourth overall pick in 2014.

The Flames entered the draft with 10 picks, including three in the second roundone of which was dealt to the Blues for Elliott.

A Newmarket, Ont. native, Elliott should, at the very least, stabilize the club's goaltending, a weak point in missing the playoffs last season. Elliott had an impressive .930 save percentage for St. Louis this past season, splitting the net with an emerging Jake Allen.

The 31-year-old Elliott held the crease for much of the post-season, helping his team to the Western Conference final.

Calgary recently hired Glen Gulutzan to replace Bob Hartley as the team's head coach.

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