REPORT: Matthew Tkachuk blocked trade to another Eastern Conference team

The star forward forced a trade to the Florida Panthers around the same time Johnny Gaudreau left for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Before the trade to the Panthers, there was another Eastern Conference team heavily invested in the 24-year-old until Tkachuk stepped in himself.

According to Hockey Feeds, the New Jersey Devils were heavily interested in acquiring Tkachuk; however, the RFA forward vetoed the potential deal.

Tkachuk, 24, had a career year in 2021-22, recording 42 goals and 62 assists in 82 games with the Flames.