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'More Cap Manipulation?': Journalist Calls Out Florida Panthers for Possibly Exploiting LTIR Loophole

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 12:48 PM ET

The Florida Panthers have been masters of manipulating the LTIR rules, and now Sam Bernardi has suggested more is on the way for Matthew Tkachuk.

Over the past several years, the NHL has come under much criticism for the league allowing teams to use a Long Term Injured Reserve loophole, something that has helped the Lightning, Golden Knights and Panthers win Stanley Cups.

The rules around this are changing with the implementation of the NHL's new Collective Bargaining Agreement, but for now things stay the same, and it a ppears as though the Panthers may be up to their old tricks.

Journalist calls out the Panthers for preparing to exploit LTIR rules again

Unsurprisingly, with the injury to Matthew Tkachuk, the Panthers are in a prime position to take advantage of the rules once more, something that Sam Bernardi has suggested in his latest piece for Sporting News.

The injury from Tkachuk dates back to the Four Nations Faceoff, and after battling through to help this team win their second-straight Stanley Cup, he's expected to be out until at least 2026.

While it's bound to incite more and more criticism from fans, it's the Panthers right to use Matthew Tkachuk's injury for their LTIR purposes, and given how they used it to acquire Brad Marchand a year ago, it would make sense if they were to do that again this season.

Ultimately, the NHL needed to crack down on the LTIR situation, and they've done so, but with the CBA not kicking in until the 2026-27 season, this is the perfect opportunity for the Panthers to utilize Tkachuk's injury for their gain as they chase a third straight Stanley Cup.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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