James Guillory-Imagn Images

Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Shares Injury Update Before Thanksgiving

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 27, 2025 9:49 AM ET

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk is back on the ice, but fans waiting for his season debut will need to stay patient a little longer.

Speaking on Wednesday on the “Wingmen” podcast with his brother, Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk, the 26-year-old shared new details about his rehab after offseason surgery for a torn adductor and sports hernia.

“This was really the first time I legit put on my skates since Game 6,” Tkachuk said. “It was a weird feeling. The docs and the trainers and the rehab schedule that I am on is really good, really easy to just continue to ramp up like any other injury.”

“DADDY’S BACK”

Brady returns Friday in St. Louis while Matthew is trending closer to his season debut pic.twitter.com/yHmFebnR5d
— Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk (@Wingmenpod) November 26, 2025

Tkachuk began skating last week and has resumed limited on-ice work.

“It did feel so weird, but I felt better than I did in my first skate in the playoffs,” Tkachuk said. “I’m just excited for being able to ramp it up, and just excited to get out there with the boys. I don’t know when that’s going to be. It’s getting over that hump sooner rather than later. It’s starting to trend really well. I am happy with it.”

Panthers coach Paul Maurice confirmed the team is keeping him on an alternating skate-and-train routine.

“He hit the ice twice last week before he went back to see the doctor,’’ Maurice said. “He is on an on-off schedule; he skates one, then trains one just to keep the soreness out. He will stay on that [schedule] until he hits certain markers where he has enough power and strength. Then, we’ll put him on two-on, one off.”

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

Added Maurice: “He’s still a ways away. But he’s back on the ice, and he was not two weeks ago. So, we’ll take it.”

Tkachuk last played in June’s Stanley Cup Final after missing the final 25 regular-season games last year. The winger hoped to avoid surgery over the summer but ultimately underwent the procedure in August.

Florida next faces the Calgary Flames on Friday at 4:00 p.m. ET.

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

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