Per ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, Florida Panthers standout Matthew Tkachuk mentioned he hasn’t decided if he will undergo a surgical procedure before the commencement of the 2025-26 season.
Tkachuk also conveyed that he might be sidelined for a considerable duration if he opts for the surgery. He still expresses optimism about returning to the game “as quickly as possible.”
“Should I proceed with the surgery, it would certainly affect the initial two or possibly three months. However, the decision is still pending,” Tkachuk shared with ESPN.
Tkachuk further commented that there is a “50/50” chance regarding his decision to have the surgery.
Shortly after the Panthers triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers, securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup, the Panthers’ forward disclosed that he sustained a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia injury while representing Team USA in the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off back in February. Consequently, Tkachuk was absent for the concluding 25 regular-season matches before his comeback in Game 1 of Florida’s initial playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
One would never guess that Tkachuk was grappling with several injuries considering his stellar performance throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Panthers’ winger ultimately tied for the team’s highest point total (23) during the postseason, which included three goals and four assists in the Stanley Cup Final.
Tkachuk has significantly boosted the Panthers’ performance ever since he was acquired in a major trade involving the Calgary Flames in the 2023 offseason. Tkachuk’s absence would create a noticeable gap in Florida’s top six if he were to miss a substantial portion of the upcoming season.
The Panthers will strive to become the first team since the New York Islanders in the early 1980s to achieve three back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. Their chances are undoubtedly improved due to general manager Bill Zito’s success in re-signing center Sam Bennett (eight years, $64 million), defenseman Aaron Ekblad (eight years, $48 million), and winger Brad Marchand (six years, $31.5 million) to extended contracts prior to this summer’s free agency period.
