Matthew Tkachuk’s injury status: What is the possibility of Florida Panthers star forward’s season debut? | NHL News
Florida Panthers star forward Matthew Tkachuk, who has been away from his team for quite a long time, has started skating again. However, the Florida Panthers still aren’t sure when their star forward will be able to make his season debut. Tkachuk has taken a notable step in his recovery, returning to the ice to skate, and is doing it in a controlled environment due to his recent surgery procedure.Even Matthew Tkachuk told his brother Brady on their podcast that he had started “legit” skating for the first time since his Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup in Game 6 on June 17. However, it does not mean he is close to returning to action. So, when is the Florida Panthers star forward going to make his season debut?
Matthew Tkachuk skating on his own, possibly to make his season debut by December
Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk has taken a major step toward returning to action. He has reportedly started skating on his own this week as he continues his recovery from offseason surgery. Although he has yet to rejoin team practices, it has been revealed that the winger could make his 2025-26 season debut by December.There had been hope that if his recovery went as planned, he could come back sometime in December, and it seems things are going in the right direction.Tkachuk, who underwent surgery in August, has been progressing through a structured rehabilitation plan. His independent skating sessions are considered helpful in his recovery.
Meanwhile, Coach Paul Maurice said that Tkachuk’s monitored skates will continue for the time being and that he “just can’t say’’ when the star forward would be cleared for practice, much less games. He further said, “He hit the ice twice last week before he went back to see the doctor. 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. He’s still a ways away. But he’s back on the ice. He was not two weeks ago. So, we’ll take it.’’While speaking on the latest episode of Wingmen, Tkachuk stated, “This was really the first time I legit put on my skates since Game 6. 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.”He further said, “It did feel so weird, but I felt better than I did in my first skate in the playoffs. 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.’’It is to be noted that Tkachuk was away from the team as he underwent surgery to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia until August 22.Also read: Detroit Red Wings’ Ben Chiarot penalized: What is the reason behind NHL’s decision to impose $5K fine on the defenseman? | NHL News – The Times of India
