Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice suggested that Tkachuk should be ready to make his team debut in the season opener on Tuesday after a few days of rest. Tkachuk has already appeared in two preseason games and is expected to play on a line alongside Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. The hard-hitting 27-year-old forward finished the 2025-26 season with 59 points (22G / 37A), 175 hits, and 221 shots in 60 games with the Ottawa Senators.


