Panthers’ Tkachuk: Skating, but return date uncertain

Tkachuk Resumes Skating, but Return Still Uncertain

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Matthew Tkachuk is back skating, although there’s still no set date for his season debut with the Florida Panthers. Tkachuk underwent surgery in August after dealing with a sports hernia and a torn adductor during the second half of last season, including Florida’s run to the Stanley Cup. The player shared this information on the “Wingmen” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators.

“He still has a ways to go, but he’s back on the ice and he wasn’t two weeks ago,” said Panthers coach Paul Maurice. “So we’re taking it step by step.”

Paul Maurice

The Panthers have estimated that Tkachuk could return “around December”, which remains a likely timeframe. His return would be a big boost for an injury-hit team, including the absence of captain Aleksander Barkov, who suffered a torn ACL in the first practice. Tkachuk spent the first few weeks of the summer rehabilitating, seeking to avoid surgery, but ultimately underwent the procedure immediately after his wedding and honeymoon in France. He skated twice last week, “the first time I’ve put on skates seriously since Game 6” of the Stanley Cup Final, and then met with doctors to plan the next phase.

“I’m excited to be back with my teammates,” Tkachuk said. “I don’t know when it will be, but obviously I’m overcoming that obstacle and I hope it’s soon. The situation is improving a lot.”

Matthew Tkachuk

Maurice indicated that Tkachuk must reach several goals. Tkachuk missed the last 25 games of the regular season last spring, but was able to play with both injuries for the Panthers, who won their second consecutive Stanley Cup. It appears that Tkachuk could be ready to play with USA Hockey at the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February. In 23 playoff games, he accumulated 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists), including seven points in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. The Panthers defeated the Oilers in six games.

“I just have to get going and feel good, and hopefully pick up where I left off, or even better,” Tkachuk said. “That’s the ideal plan.”

Matthew Tkachuk