Flames fans concerned for future following the likelihood of losing not one but two superstars this summer

Being a Calgary Flames fan is not much fun right now.

The news about Johnny Gaudreau and the imminent trade of Matthew Tkachuk has left many fans constantly refreshing Twitter or scouring hockey sources to see what happens next for the C of Red.

The host of the Big Show on Sportsnet 960, Will Nault, says it’s hard to say if there’s an up-and-coming star on the team.

“Turning that page you’ve got young players like Rasmus Andersson and Andrew Mangiapane. But are those concrete cornerstones that you can really see as being guys on billboards for the next 10 years?” said Nault.

“That’s hard to say at this point. But yeah they’re definitely in a very awkward position. It is almost unprecedented in NHL history to lose 2 icons like this in the same off-season,” said Nault.

Read More:

• Tkachuk to be traded imminently after telling Flames he won’t sign an extension

• Calgary Flames file for arbitration with winger Matthew Tkachuk

• Johnny Gaudreau sheds light on Columbus signing

Matthew Tkachuk’s arbitration date is August 11, which hockey pundits say essentially acts as the deadline for Calgary to complete a trade.

If you’re having a hard time with the news, Nault has some food for thought.

“It’s kind of the internal question for him – OK so I just saw my linemate leave, one of my good friends left. Do I want to stay here long term?” said Nault.

Nault says that it’s not unusual for American hockey players to have cold feet when it comes to staying and competing for a National Hockey League team in Canada for the long run.

“And the big question now is for a lot of teams not just for Calgary but American-born players not staying in Canada – it’s become a bit of a trend here and that at the end of the day is unfortunately out of the team’s control,” said Nault.

And it’s not just Calgary facing this situation. Hockey analysts are hinting this could be the near future for the Toronto Maple Leafs, giving the rest of us another reason to poke fun at the Leafs.

As for Flames fans, it will likely be a painful wait until August 11, for the very likely trade of Matthew Tkachuk.