Tkachuk scored two goals on three shots, dished an assist and added two PIM in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Lightning in Game 1.
Tkachuk's three points all came on the power play. He missed 25 games due to a groin injury sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off, and he may not have been 100 percent Tuesday either after playing just 11:43 in Game 1. Still, a little bit went a long way this time, and he should be a major force on offense as long as he avoids aggravating the injury.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Activated from LTIR
Rotowire
Tkachuk (groin) was activated from long-term injured reserve Tuesday, per the NHL media site.
Following a 25-game absence, Tkachuk appears ready to return to the lineup in Game 1 versus Tampa Bay on Tuesday. He will likely skate on the second line and see time on the top power-play unit. Tkachuk compiled 22 goals, 57 points, 156 shots on net and 84 hits across 52 appearances during the 2024-25 regular season.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Game-time call for Game 1
Rotowire
Tkachuk (groin) will be a game-time decision Tuesday against the Lightning in Game 1, according to Panthers TV Rinkside Reporter Katie Engleson.
Head coach Paul Maurice relayed that Tkachuk, who skated on the second line during Tuesday's morning skate, will continue to be evaluated by the team's doctors leading up to puck drop. The 27-year-old Tkachuk last suited up with the Panthers on Feb. 8, though his groin injury occurred at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He will need to be activated off long-term injured reserve if he ends up being available for Game 1. Tkachuk supplied 22 goals and 57 points over 52 regular-season appearances in 2024-25, which marks the fourth straight campaign that he's produced over a point-per-game.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Trending in right direction
Rotowire
Head coach Paul Maurice said Thursday that Tkachuk (groin) will skate on off days ahead of the playoffs, and the 27-year-old could be available for Game 1 of Florida's first-round series, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.
Tkachuk sustained an injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off and has been sidelined since then. The Panthers announced in early March that the 27-year-old would miss the remainder of the regular season, but he's slated to be evaluated in the days leading up to the team's first-round playoff series. Tkachuk will likely be a game-time decision for Game 1, but even if he isn't cleared for that matchup, it wouldn't be surprising to see him suit up later in the series.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Traveling with team
Rotowire
Tkachuk (groin) will be with the Panthers for their upcoming four-game road trip but is still targeting a postseason return, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports Monday.
According to head coach Paul Maurice, the playoff schedule could result in Tkachuk missing some postseason action as well. It's something that fantasy managers will have to take into consideration when working on their postseason pools. Prior to getting hurt at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Tkachuk was rolling offensively with seven goals and six assists in his last six appearances.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Regular season over
Rotowire
Tkachuk (groin) won't be an option for Florida until the postseason after general manager Bill Zito told reporters Monday, "Matthew's going to be out for an extended period of time. We hope to get him back for the playoffs," per Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site.
Tkachuk was already designated for long-term injured reserve, but this update further cements the fact that the winger won't be seeing any more regular-season action. It will be the first time the 27-year-old Arizona native will miss the 60-point threshold since the 2020-21 campaign. Don't be surprised to see the Panthers take advantage of the $9.5 million in LTIR cap relief ahead of Friday's trade deadline.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Shifts to LTIR
Rotowire
Tkachuk (groin) was placed on long-term injured reserve Sunday, per PuckPedia.
Tkachuk has missed the last four games after being injured during the 4 Nations Face-Off. It remains unclear when he will be available to return to the lineup, though he will be out for at least 10 games and 24 days after going on LTIR. Tkachuk has generated 22 goals, 57 points, 156 shots on net, 84 hits and 54 PIM through 52 appearances this season. Due to Tkachuk's absence, Evan Rodrigues and Mackie Samoskevich have been occupying top-six roles. The Panthers recalled Chris Driedger from AHL Charlotte in a corresponding move to occupy the backup role behind Sergei Bobrovsky after trading Spencer Knight to Chicago on Saturday for Seth Jones.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Not playing Thursday
Rotowire
Tkachuk (groin) has been ruled out of Thursday's contest against the Oilers, Colby Guy of The Palm Beach Post reports.
There was no update in Tkachuk's status, though head coach Paul Maurice did state that his star 27-year-old winger was out "near-term" rather than long-term. Tkachuk had been white-hot before the 4 Nations Face-Off break with eight goals and eight assists across eight games. Overall, he has 22 goals, 35 assists, 23 power-play points, 156 shots on goal and 84 hits across 52 appearances this season.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Ruled out Tuesday
Rotowire
Tkachuk (groin) continues to be evaluated but won't face the Predators on Tuesday after head coach Paul Maurice told reporters, "He saw some people over the weekend. Going to wait a few more days, get a couple more looks...we don't want to be giving out reports every second day that aren't confirmed. So we'll wait on that for a few more days," per Katie Engleson of Scripps Sports.
The fact that Tkachuk is seeing multiple doctors regarding his groin injury doesn't bode well for a quick return to the lineup. Still, until the Panthers provide a clear update on his timeline, fantasy players will have to take a wait-and-see approach. Prior to his absence, the 27-year-old winger was rolling with 16 points in his last eight outings, including three goals and two assists with the man advantage.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Likely to miss time
Rotowire
Tkachuk -- who is reportedly dealing with a groin problem -- is expected to be sidelined long term but will suit up again this year, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports Monday.
While the Panthers haven't offered a specific timeline, fantasy managers probably shouldn't expect Tkachuk back on the ice until sometime in March. Given that prognosis, it seems almost certain the 27-year-old winger will be designated for injured reserve. If the Scottsdale native is out until the postseason, it could free up significant cap space for Florida ahead of the trade deadline as well, if the team elects to put him on long-term injured reserve.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Doubtful for Saturday
Rotowire
Head coach Paul Maurice said Friday that Tkachuk (lower body) is unlikely to play versus Seattle on Saturday, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.
Tkachuk sat out the third period and overtime in Canada's 3-2 victory over the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off on Thursday. Tkachuk has 22 goals, 35 assists, 156 shots on goal and 84 hits across 52 games this season. He should be considered day-to-day for now, and he could return as early Tuesday in Nashville.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Still hampered by lower-body issue
Rotowire
Tkachuk's lower-body injury prevented him from playing in the third period and overtime of Thursday's game versus Team Canada, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.
Nothing official from Team USA was revealed, but in an interview with Tkachuk's brother, Brady Tkachuk, it appears the 27-year-old Florida winger could miss time. More information should be known once he returns to the Panthers for a more thorough evaluation, but there is a clear risk of Tkachuk being out of action during the playoff race that fantasy managers should be preparing for.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Should be ready by Thursday
Rotowire
Tkachuk (lower body) is expected to be available for Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off Final against Team Canada, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on Tuesday.
Tkachuk did not suit up for Team USA's 2-1 loss to Sweden on Monday. The star winger's availability, along with Brady Tkachuk (lower body) and Auston Matthews (upper body), will be key components to potential success for the Americans. Tkachuk has potted two goals and added a helper through two games in the tournament.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Ruled out Monday
Rotowire
Tkachuk (lower body) will not be in the lineup for Team USA against Sweden on Monday, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports.
Tkachuk was limited to just 11:10 of ice time against Canada on Saturday -- though part of that was the result of him spending five minutes in the penalty box after dropping the gloves with Brandon Hagel. With Tkachuk out Monday, Chris Kreider will finally get his chance to suit up for Team USA. According to brother Brady Tkachuk, Matthew is expected to be ready to play in Thursday's 4 Nations Final, Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com reports.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Still being evaluated
Rotowire
Tkachuk (lower body) is being evaluated ahead of Monday's 4 Nations Face-Off game versus Sweden, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports Sunday.
Tkachuk missed most of the third period in Saturday's 3-1 win over Canada. It's unclear if he will play versus Sweden, and he could sit out the matchup because Team USA has already clinched a spot in Thursday's championship game. Tkachuk has two goals and one assist through two outings at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Suffers lower-body injury
Rotowire
Tkachuk sustained a lower-body injury in Saturday's 3-1 victory over Canada, coach Mike Sullivan told Dan Rosen of NHL.com.
Tkachuk appeared to sustain the injury in the third period. His assessment of the situation is more optimistic -- he claimed after the game that whatever was bothering him was "no concern at all," per Mollie Walker of the New York Post. Despite Tkachuk's statement, Sullivan isn't sure if the 27-year-old forward will play Monday versus Sweden. Team USA has already earned a spot in Thursday's championship for the 4 Nations Face-Off, so Tkachuk could sit out Monday's matchup for rest, especially if he is anything less than 100 percent.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Best player on ice in USA win
Rotowire
Tkachuk had two goals, one assist and eight shots in a 6-1 Team USA win over Finland on Thursday in Montreal.
Both goals came on the power play, and he and brother Brady Tkachuk looked fantastic when they were united on a line in the middle of the game. Matthew Tkachuk was named the Player-of-the-Game for his performance. He came into the game on a high -- he was riding a six-game goal streak with 13 points (seven goals, six assists) dating back to Jan. 29. Next up, it's Team Canada on Saturday night.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Goal streak at six games
Rotowire
Tkachuk scored a goal and assisted on two others in a 5-1 win over Ottawa on Saturday.
Tkachuk fired a team-high eight shots, but his brother Brady Tkachuk took the game crown with 11. Still, the Floridian brother clearly won the battle. Tkachuk extended his goal streak to six games (seven goals, six assists), and he has 22 goals, 35 assists and 156 shots this season. Thirty of those shots have come over his last six outings. Tkachuk will represent the United States, along with Brady, in 4 Nations Face-Off, which starts Feb. 12.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Showcases three points
Rotowire
Tkachuk scored two goals, including the game-winner, dished an assist and added seven shots on net in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Blues.
With just 12 seconds remaining, Tkachuk redirected Sam Reinhart's shot attempt past Joel Hofer to seal the win. His other goal came on the power play in Thursday's first period. Overall, the 27-year-old winger is up to 21 goals, 33 assists, 54 points, 148 shots on net, and 83 hits in 51 games this season. In his last seven outings, Tkachuk has 13 points with seven goals. Over that stretch, he is tied for the league lead in points with Boston's David Pastrnak. His slow start on offense may keep him from replicating his career high of 109 points from two seasons ago, but his fantasy value ranks in an elite tier for the time being.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Lights lamp in loss
Rotowire
Tkachuk scored a goal on two shots, added five hits and went minus-2 in Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Capitals.
Tkachuk scored for the fifth time in six games, a span in which he's also racked up five assists. The winger's tally brought the Panthers back within a goal in the third period. He was cold over a month-long stretch between Dec. 20 and Jan. 22, during which he had a goal and seven helpers, but he's making up for lost time now. Overall, Tkachuk has 19 goals, 51 points, 141 shots on net, 82 hits, 54 PIM and a minus-7 rating over 50 outings.
