Overview

• GM Bill Zito called the estimate "December‑ish" and cautioned it is a best guess tied to recovery benchmarks, saying, "Don't hold me to that."
• Tkachuk underwent August surgery to repair a torn adductor and a sports hernia sustained while playing for the United States at the 4 Nations Face‑Off in February.
• Forward Tomas Nosek is expected to miss months with a knee injury suffered during the offseason, according to Zito.
• With Tkachuk and Nosek sidelined early, training camp offers chances for depth options such as Jesper Boqvist, Luke Kunin and Tyler Motte to earn roles.
• USA Hockey GM Bill Guerin said he is planning to have Tkachuk available for the Milan‑Cortina Olympics if rehabilitation stays on track.