Tkachuk is back for the Panthers. Will it be enough to spark a run to the playoffs?
January 19, 2026
Matthew Tkachuk is back with the Florida Panthers, ready to help the team push for the playoffs. Tkachuk had surgery over the summer to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia after helping the Panthers win their second straight Stanley Cup. He returned to the lineup for Florida’s game against San Jose on Monday. Tkachuk missed nearly a full year of regular-season hockey because of injuries. Panthers coach Paul Maurice says Tkachuk is ready to play but won’t be overused. Despite injuries to key players, Florida remains in the playoff race, four points out of the second wild-card spot.