James Guillory-Imagn Images

Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Development Emerges Before Devils Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 9:39 AM ET

The Florida Panthers haven't had the best start to the season as back-to-back defending champions, but that might change soon as the team is getting closer to seeing one of their most important players return to the lineup.

Forward Matthew Tkachuk has resumed skating as part of his recovery from offseason surgery, according to David Dwork of The Hockey News.

"I’m hearing that Matthew Tkachuk has started skating and that he could be back in the Panthers lineup sometime next month, in time to play in the Winter Classic," Dwork posted on X.

The team is hopeful Tkachuk can return in December, potentially in time for the NHL Winter Classic against the New York Rangers, scheduled for Jan. 2 at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.

I’m hearing that Matthew Tkachuk has started skating and that he could be back in the Panthers lineup sometime next month, in time to play in the Winter Classic.
— David Dwork (@DavidDwork) November 19, 2025

Head coach Paul Maurice offered a similar outlook last week when asked about Tkachuk’s progress.

“We're looking for him to hit the ice in the next two weeks,” Maurice said. “There comes a day when the doctor says, ‘Now you can go.’ Once they hit the ice, then we’ll have a better idea.”

Tkachuk had offseason procedures to address a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia. The injuries caused him to miss the final 25 games of last season, although he returned in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and recorded 23 points in 23 games.

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) looks on during a stoppage of play.James Guillory-Imagn Images

Florida’s record stands at 10–8–1, placing them sixth in the Atlantic Division, only above the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.

If they can remain slightly competitive through December, the Panthers could still be positioned to make a second-half push once Tkachuk rejoins the group.

The Panthers are also missing Aleksander Barkov, who had knee surgery and is expected to be out long-term. Additional injuries include forwards Tomas Nosek, Eetu Luostarinen and Jonah Gadjovich, and defenseman Dmitry Kulikov.

Florida hosts the New Jersey Devils (13-5-1) at 7 p.m. ET Thursday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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