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Panthers Provide Critical Update on Matthew Tkachuk's Long-Term Status

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Treppedi | Last updated Feb 24, 2025 12:37 PM ET

The Florida Panthers resumed their 2024-25 season without the services of Matthew Tkachuk, dropping their first game back 2-1 to the Seattle Kraken.

Tkachuk sustained an injury throughout the 4 Nations Face-Off, leading to only 6:47 of ice-time in the 3-2 championship loss against Canada.

After uncertainty loomed around Tkachuk's outlook, head coach Paul Maurice revealed on the "Joe Rose Show" Monday that his injury could be more long term, "but he's playing for us this year."

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that Tkachuk's is believed to have a groin injury.

On the @JoeRoseShow this morning, FLA coach Paul Maurice said Matthew Tkachuk’s injury (believed to be a groin) could be a bit longer term, “But he’s playing for us this year.”
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 24, 2025

Maurice added that Tkachuk is undergoing evaluations to determine a more specific recovery timeline on Monday.

Florida projects to comfortably coast into the playoffs, sitting one point behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for first place of the Atlantic Division. That being said, Tkachuk's absence doesn't leave them in an imminent situation leading to the March 7 trade deadline.

The Panthers will need to compensate for his production because even though Tkachuk isn't on track to match the 40-goal, 109-point performance from his first year in Florida, he's still averaging 1.10 points per game and sits second on the team with 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points.

He’s appeared in 52 of 58 games so far, missing five in October due to illness, but continues to lead the team in power-play goals with 11 and even-strength assists with 23.

Rookie Mackie Samoskevich will play bigger minutes throughout Tkachuk's recovery. The 2021 first-round pick slid into Tkachuk's spot alongside Sam Bennett in the Seattle defeat and registered two shots on goal with a minus-one rating.

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

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