Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk to make 2025-26 season debut against Sharks
It has been a long time coming, but one of the game’s biggest stars is finally set to make his return.
When speaking to the media, Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk revealed that he will make his season debut on Monday night when the team takes on the San Jose Sharks.
Tkachuk confirms he’s playing tonight. No. 19 is back.
Tkachuk had been skating with the team over the past couple of weeks. During the Panthers’ morning skate, he was seen taking reps on the third line with Mackie Samoskevich and Evan Rodrigues.
The 27-year-old has missed the first half of the season due to a pair of injuries that led to him undergoing surgery in August. He was injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, which resulted in him missing the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season. He returned to the team in time for the Stanley Cup Playoffs and, despite playing in obvious pain, posted 23 points in 23 games. That included three goals and seven points in the final against the Edmonton Oilers, helping Florida win a second straight championship.
After the postseason, Tkachuk noted that he had a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia, but was unsure if he wanted to go under the knife. Had the Scottsdale, Ariz. native had the operations earlier, he might not have missed as much time.
Nevertheless, Tkachuk’s return is a welcome sight in South Beach. With captain Aleksander Barkov also out due to injury, the Panthers (25-19-3) have been inconsistent in what has been a very tight Eastern Conference. Heading into Wednesday’s slate of action, Florida is seventh in the Atlantic Division, four points back of the last Wild Card spot in the conference.
Tkachuk’s return to action is also positive news for Team USA. He, along with his brother Brady, is expected to be an important member of the roster heading to the Winter Olympics next month, as the U.S. is a favorite to win gold in Milan. The former Calgary Flame can use the next few weeks as an opportunity to not only help his NHL club but also ensure that he’s up to game speed before the tournament begins in Italy.