Flames announce concerning development in contract negotiations with Matthew Tkachuk

This just in, the Calgary Flames 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.

After losing star forward Johnny Gaudreau to free agency, the last thing the Flames need is to alienate and possibly lose Tkachuk, as well. Stay tuned... things could get ugly in Cowtown.