Matthew Tkachuk's Concerning Return Timeline Leaks After Insider Update

The return of Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk could be earlier than expected per the latest report from NHL analyst David Pagnotta.

Matthew Tkachuk won't be available for the Florida Panthers to begin the year, as he recently underwent surgery to fix the number of injuries that he played through during the postseason.

The Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions, but while it was expected Tkachuk could be absent through February, the latest report shows he could be back sooner than originally thought.

David Pagnotta Hints at Major Tkachuk Comeback Window

Per NHL analyst David Pagnotta on the Kevin Karius Show, Tkachuk could actually return sometime in January, much earlier than February, which most projections had him penciled in for.

David Pagnotta: Re Matthew Tkachuk: The timeline I've told...barring no setbacks, is that he'll be back in January - Kevin Karius Show (8/29)

How Tkachuk's Recovery Could Reshape the Panthers' Season

The good news for the Panthers is that they have considerable depth on their team that can withstand the absence of Tkachuk for a few months.

Not only did the Panthers re-sign Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett, but they also got Brad Marchand, who scored 6 goals alone in the SCF while helping the Panthers repeat as champions, also re-signed.

The Panthers are deep in all 3 positions on the ice, and could even view Tkachuk's inevitable return to the lineup as an early Trade Deadline acquisition.

There may not be a single team in recent memory that is better primed for a chance at a 3-peat than the Panthers, and they have a realistic shot at it.