The Florida Panthers received a promising sign on Monday as Matthew Tkachuk resumed skating. This marks Tkachuk’s first time on the ice since suffering a lower-body injury while playing for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off last month.
Tkachuk, who has been out for 16 games, skated for approximately 45 minutes Monday, marking an important milestone in his recovery. Coach Paul Maurice was cautious yet optimistic, indicating that Tkachuk’s initial skating session was more about touching pucks than conditioning. “He will probably just get out on the ice to move some pucks around for the next couple of days,” Maurice stated.
The Panthers have nine games left before the playoffs begin on April 19, and while the team hopes Tkachuk can return by then, there remains a long way to go before he’s game-ready. Tkachuk was placed on LTIR on March 2nd and is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. However, GM Bill Zito has remained hopeful since that time, stating, “We hope to get him back for the playoffs.”
An update on Matthew. pic.twitter.com/50qyn9DIxx
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 3, 2025
Tkachuk’s absence is the most impactful for Florida, but it is far from the only absence they are currently dealing with. Defenseman Dmitry Kulikov remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury, while Aaron Ekblad is serving a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Kulikov, who has missed the last five games, will join the team on their current four-game road trip but is not expected to play just yet. As for Ekblad, his suspension carries into the postseason. He will not be eligible to play until the team’s third playoff game.
The absence of Tkachuk and Ekblad has undoubtedly disturbed the team's rhythm. The Panthers still sit in a playoff spot but need to maintain their poise and add to their points total as they prepare for the postseason. Fortunately, the trade deadline acquisitions of Seth Jones and Brad Marchand have helped the Panthers tread water down the stretch.
Tkachuk’s return to the ice has uplifted team morale. “It’s huge that you can hopefully see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said forward Sam Reinhart. This emphasizes the importance of Tkachuk’s presence on the ice even in limited capacity.
Tkachuk’s leadership and skill are crucial for the Panthers’ playoff hopes. Before his injury, he had 57 points in 52 games. As the Panthers aim to return to full strength before the playoff push, Tkachuk’s recovery will be a focal point for fans and teammates alike. The sight of Tkachuk skating is a reminder that hope is alive as Florida gears up for what they hope will be another deep playoff run.