Photo credit: Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
Could the Florida Panthers receive a long-awaited boost just after Christmas? All signs are pointing toward Matthew Tkachuk edging closer to a return.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Wingmen podcast with his brother Brady, the Panthers' star winger didn't hide his optimism, saying he's feeling «great» as he continues his rehab from offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia. More importantly, Tkachuk revealed he expects to rejoin the team for practices shortly after the NHL's holiday break, assuming his progress continues.
«I don't know exactly what date,» Tkachuk said, «but it'll be just after that. When they say I can come back with the boys, I'm back with the boys.»
While his first practices would likely be non-contact, Tkachuk joked he's more than ready for that phase to end. He even welcomed the idea of taking contact from teammates like Niko Mikkola or Aaron Ekblad, admitting it's been «too long» since he's been hit.
There's still no official return date, but the timing lines up well for Florida. After the break, the Panthers are home for five straight games, including matchups against Tampa Bay, Washington, Montreal, the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic on Jan. 2, and Colorado. If cleared, Tkachuk could slot back into the lineup during a stretch where Florida will want momentum.
And momentum is something the Panthers are finally finding. Following Tuesday's 5-2 comeback win over Carolina, Florida has won eight of its last 10 games after an uneven start to the season.
Tkachuk's impact, whenever he returns, will be immediate. Since arriving in Florida ahead of the 2022-23 season, he's been a driving force behind the Panthers' rise, posting 254 points in 211 regular-season games and another 69 points in 67 playoff contests. Even last spring, after missing the final 25 regular-season games, he still recorded 23 points in 23 playoff games on the way to another Stanley Cup.
Head coach Paul Maurice recently confirmed Tkachuk has had no setbacks and is «on track,» echoing the timeline shared by GM Bill Zito back at training camp: December-ish.
If all continues to trend this way, Florida's biggest Christmas gift may simply arrive a few days late.