Rumor: Gaudreau gone and Tkachuk wants out due to Canada's overly strict mandates and restrictions

Last night the Calgary Flames announced that they have filed for a salary arbitration hearing with unsigned RFA forward Matthew Tkachuk. The Flames themselves made the announcement saying that arbitration "provides us the opportunity to continue to work with his representatives towards a contractual resolution while removing the possibility of an offer sheet." For those unfamiliar with salary arbitration, it's essentially a mediation process in cases where two sides can't agree on a fair salary. To me, this indicates that the Flames and Tkachuk's representation are far apart in negotiations. Well, far apart enough where salary arbitration seems like a good idea to the Flames. If I'm a Flames fan that's giving me SERIOUS cause for concern.-- More...