I don't get the offer sheet concerns with Tkachuk.
Up to 8.4 million the cost is a 1, 2 and a 3. I think a team would do that for Tkachuk but Flames would match in a heartbeat.
8.4 to 10.5 is 2 1,s a 2 and a 3. Do we really see a team doing that? Even at 10.5 the Flames don't match? Also worth noting the only teams that can make this offer are: Anaheim, Arizona, Carolina, Chicago, CBJ, DET, EdM, LA, Mon, Nsh, NJ, NYI, Ott, SEA and VAN. I think it's safe to say that ANA, ARI, CHI, DET, MON are not going to make that offer. CBJ can't unless they are moving on from Laine. EDM can but that would really mess up their pursuit of a goalie. LA doesn't have the cap space, NSH likely doesn't have the budget, and the NYI would have to clear space to make that offer.
So realistically you might have Carolina, NJ, OTT and SEA that are in a position to do this. I'd question why Tkachuk would want to sign in SEA (and honestly OTT for that matter) and this would be a very odd move for Carolina to make. End of the day we are not talking about a huge market here.
If you are going past 10.5 your talking 4 1st round picks and I definitely do not see a team giving you 4 1sts for Tkachuk.
I don't get the fear here. Not to mention that if Gaudreau walks those draft picks start to look pretty enticing