The Florida Panthers are continuing to wait on several injured key players, but one of them appears closer to hitting a key milestone.
Alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk has not played this season as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia.
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He suffered the injury in February while representing Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off and required an extended rehab process. The Panthers considered an initial return timeline that could extend into December.
This week, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice issued the most encouraging update yet on Tkachuk’s status.
“We’re looking for him to hit the ice in the next two weeks,” Maurice said.
Tkachuk remains on track for a possible mid-December return, but he has yet to resume skating. Maurice said that while the winger is still in the rehab phase, a return to on-ice work is coming soon.
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“There is this block of healing time where they are not doing much,” Maurice said. “They are moving, in the gym, sort of doing basic stuff. Then there comes a day when the doctor says, ‘Now you can go. Now you can start progressing.’”
Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) looks on during a stoppage in play.James Guillory-Imagn Images
Tkachuk confirmed his progress during the debut episode of his and brother Brady Tkachuk’s podcast “Wingmen” on Thursday.
“I’ve been out of the picture or a while,” Matthew said. “Nobody has really seen me except for the guys at the rink and who I’m rehabbing with and all the stuff I’m doing there. It’s allowed me to keep a really good focus. I’m working harder than I’ve ever worked.”
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Tkachuk tied for the team lead with 23 points in 23 playoff games last season, helping Florida win its second straight Stanley Cup, after putting up 57 points in 52 regular-season games.
The Panthers (9-7-1) have had a shaky start to the season and sit 11th in the Eastern Conference. Florida will visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, with puck drop set for 5 p.m. ET.
Related: Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk Announce News Outside NHL
Related: Panthers Coach Sends Message on Evgeni Malkin Amid Roster Concerns
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.