Matthew Tkachuk may be in trouble with coach after comments

Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Matthew Tkachuk may be in trouble with Panthers head coach Paul Maurice after recent comments

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 11:46 AM ET

Matthew Tkachuk is set to return, and after his latest comments, it appears he could be back for Game 1 despite recent remarks from Paul Maurice.

The Florida Panthers have a massive first-round matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning looming in the Stanley Cup playoffs, but it appears they may be on the verge of getting a major boost.

Earlier this week, head coach Paul Maurice had some optimistic comments concerning Matthew Tkachuk's return.

"So there isn't anybody that I would say that I know is not ready for Game 1 — that there's an injury there that's week to week," Maurice said.

Tkachuk himself was a guest on the "Up and Adams" show with Kay Adams, and during the appearance, he was optimistic about a return, revealing how he's been feeling as of late.

"I think I'd get in trouble if I said (when I'll play again). I will say it's been very good the last probably few days on the ice. I've really only been on the ice for a couple days with, like, legit skates, so I'm just trying to peak sometime around Game 1. So, I'm looking forward to it."

To add to the optimism, Tkachuk was on the ice during the Panthers' Saturday morning skate.

Matthew Tkachuk is on the ice for the Florida Panthers this morning wearing top-6 white. Nothing has started yet. pic.twitter.com/1i8NtNLMpQ
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) April 19, 2025

With Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett and Aleksander Barkov all expected to be at 100% for the Stanley Cup playoffs after recent injuries, the Panthers will come into this series with plenty of hope, but they'll do so against a team that many see as the favorite in the Eastern Conference.

Ultimately though, Maurice may not be happy with how much Tkachuk revealed in his recent media appearance. At the end of the day, though, it's positive news from Tkachuk, who is feeling good and should be ready for Game 1. Even if he's not at 100%, his presence on the ice will do this team much more good than harm as they look to make it three straight Stanley Cup Finals appearances.

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

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