Matthew Tkachuk makes alarming injury admission as Panthers star remains 'undecided' about undergoing surgery

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk could miss significant time this season. Tkachuk admitted he may opt for surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle, ESPN reported Aug. 8.

Tkachuk, who recently appeared on the cover of the NHL 26 video game, missed the final 25 games of the 2024-25 season because of the injury, which he sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He returned for the Stanley Cup playoffs, recording eight goals and 23 points in 23 games.

“If I do get the surgery, it'll definitely be the first two or maybe three months if that's the case," Tkachuk said (per ESPN). "But it's still undecided at this point.”

Time is running out for Tkachuk to make up his mind. Undergoing surgery soon would reduce the time missed this season. However, he said at the end of last season he was “50-50” about having the procedure.

Per ESPN, Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Tkachuk was a “mess” heading into the playoffs and that the coaching staff didn’t believe he would make it past the first round.

Tkachuk played every postseason game and was a key contributor to the team’s second consecutive championship.

Possible effects of Matthew Tkachuk’s absence on Panthers

The most immediate ramification of Matthew Tkachuk’s absence would be the hole in the Florida Panthers’ lineup. Tkachuk is a top-six power forward who would be difficult to replace.

A current roster player, such as veteran Brad Marchand, could step into his spot.

Another effect could be the Panthers’ ability to shift Tkachuk’s cap hit to long-term injured reserve. That move would help them become cap-compliant, as they currently have no contracts designated for LTIR. Placing Tkachuk there would allow the team to slide under the salary cap without sacrificing a player.

However, the club could face a cap crunch when Tkachuk returns, which might force a significant roster move.

Whether Tkachuk chooses surgery or rehab, he is unlikely to be ready for the season opener, meaning the Panthers will need contributions from throughout the roster.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan