Florida Panthers’ prominent player Matthew Tkachuk mentioned that he is still contemplating whether to undergo surgery prior to the 2025-26 season, though he acknowledged that if it becomes necessary, he could be sidelined for an extended period.
The 27-year-old shared after the conclusion of the season that he encountered a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia while competing for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Although he was unable to participate in the last 25 games of the NHL regular season, he made a comeback for Game 1 of the Panthers’ opening playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
During the playoffs, Tkachuk accumulated 23 points (8 goals and 15 assists) across 23 games, including seven points during the finals against Edmonton, leading the Panthers to secure their second consecutive Stanley Cup title.
Coach Paul Maurice stated that Tkachuk’s health was in poor condition as he approached the playoffs. “At the outset, we weren’t optimistic that he would get through the first round,” he remarked.
After the season, Tkachuk expressed that there was a “50/50” chance he would opt for surgery, noting that the offseason offers sufficient time to reach that decision. On Friday, Tkachuk told ESPN, “I’m still aiming to get back on the ice as soon as I can.” If he chooses to undergo the procedure, he indicated that he might miss several months of play. “If I end up needing surgery, I’ll definitely be out for at least the first two or maybe even three months. However, that’s still not determined right now,” remarked the Panthers player, whose contract and salary cap implications might lead to him being placed on long-term injured reserve while recovering.
This offseason has been quite eventful for Tkachuk. He graces the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 26 and appears alongside his brother Brady and father Keith on the cover of the game’s special edition. Matthew and Brady Tkachuk were included among the first six players selected for the 2026 U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team for the Winter Games in Italy next year. Additionally, Matthew tied the knot with his fiancée Ellie Connell in July.
All of this follows yet another extraordinary, multi-day Stanley Cup celebration hosted by the Panthers in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, which included unexpected visits to bars, clubs, and beaches, along with a championship parade.
The Panthers’ prospects of clinching a third straight Stanley Cup improved this summer when GM Bill Zito successfully re-signed three prominent veteran free agents: center Sam Bennett (8 years, $64 million), defenseman Aaron Ekblad (8 years, $48 million), and winger Brad Marchand (6 years, $31.5 million).
Tkachuk mentioned that he was not shocked by the desire of all three players to continue with the Panthers, but he was astonished by Zito’s capability to work around the salary cap to accommodate their contracts.
“I believed that due to the way the finances were organized, it was unclear whether the situation would allow for what eventually unfolded,” he expressed. “Everyone was well looked after, and Bill excelled at ensuring everything was feasible. I think they were all compensated extremely well, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to potentially do it all again with them this year.”
Tkachuk expressed optimism regarding Ekblad’s return, as he has been with the Panthers since being the first overall pick by Florida in 2014. He was less assured about Bennett and particularly Marchand, both of whom had prospects of securing lucrative deals in free agency.
“When Marchand was traded [at the deadline this spring], I would have believed there was absolutely no way to keep everyone together. However, as time passes and you achieve success while understanding players’ aspirations for their careers, you can begin to see how everything can align,” Tkachuk remarked. “Players really don’t want to depart from Florida once they arrive here. We’re in the midst of something special, and everyone is eager to be a part of it.”
