Matthew Tkachuk will miss the start of the 2025-26 season following surgery over the summer. The timetable for his return is unclear, but it appears the forward will be out until at least January.
Tkachuk Undergoes Surgery; Will Miss Start of Season
Tkachuk tore his adductor muscle and sustained a sports hernia while playing for Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He missed the remainder of the regular season, but returned for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tkachuk scored eight goals for the Panthers, including the Stanley Cup-winning goal as the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup for a second-straight year.
Impact on the Panters
Thankfully, the Panthers have enough talent to navigate the first part of the season. As long as Tkachuk does come back, they will be