Matthew Tkachuk Joins Panthers’ Six-Game Road Trip as Return Draws Closer

Overview

• The winger is traveling with Florida for the first time this season after August surgery to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia.
• He remains in a non-contact jersey and said any debut on the trip would most likely come near the end.
• Head coach Paul Maurice wants one or two full-contact practices before a return, and the every-other-day game schedule limits those opportunities.
• Tkachuk has rejoined team skates in a gold jersey and will continue his ramp-up during stops in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, Carolina, and Washington.
• Florida is juggling other injuries, including Aleksander Barkov’s ACL recovery, Dmitry Kulikov’s absence, and Seth Jones’ evaluation after a Winter Classic injury, as Tkachuk also eyes possible Olympic duty with Team USA next month.