Matthew Tkachuk is taking the next big step toward returning from injury
Matthew Tkachuk struggles with injury from Florida Panthers‘ first Stanley Cup, but is nearing his return after two offseason surgeries. After battling ailments for most of last season, Tkachuk knew he needed to take the time to reach 100% this season, and the Panthers star appears to be on schedule after Update from Paul Morris last week. In an update Wednesday afternoon, Morris informed journalists that Tkachuk is already back on the ice.
Although he’s back on the ice, Tkachuk is still “a long way” from returning from injury, according to Morris. It makes sense for the organization to take its time, as the jumbled mess that is the Eastern Conference allows Florida little time. While there are concerns about the Panthers’ slow start to the season with their 12-10-1 record, they are just two points out of the wild card and three points out of the final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division.
“He hit the ice twice last week before going back to the doctor,” Morris said. “He’s on a shutout schedule; one skate, then one workout just to avoid soreness. He’ll stay on that (schedule) until he hits certain markers where he’s got enough strength and power. Then we’ll put him on two, one time. It’s still a long way off. But he’s back on the ice, and he wasn’t there two weeks ago.”
Tkachuk has some important games he’d like to get healthy for that are still further down the road. The Winter Classic on January 2nd will be one for the Panthers, with the Olympics also fast approaching. It looks like Matthew Tkachuk will make sure he’s ready for all those dates.
2025-11-27 22:08:00
