Introduction to Matthew Tkachuk’s Recovery
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Matthew Tkachuk is skating again, though the Florida Panthers still aren’t sure when their star forward will be able to make his season debut.
The Injury and Surgery
Tkachuk had surgery in August after spending much of the second half of last season — including Florida’s run to a second consecutive Stanley Cup — dealing with a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle. He delivered the update on the “Wingmen” podcast that he co-hosts with his brother, Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators.
Current Status and Expected Return
“He’s still quite a way away, but he’s back on the ice and he wasn’t two weeks ago,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “So, we’re taking it.” The Panthers have been operating under the premise that Tkachuk is on a “December-ish” timetable to return, which still sounds logical. Whenever Tkachuk gets back, he figures to provide a huge boost to an injury-decimated lineup, one that has been missing captain Aleksander Barkov after he tore his ACL in his first training camp practice.
Rehabilitation Process
Tkachuk spent the first few weeks of the summer rehabbing with hopes of trying to avoid surgery but eventually had the procedure immediately after his wedding and honeymoon in France. He skated twice last week — “the first time I’ve put on my skates, like legit, since Game 6” of the Stanley Cup Final, he said — and then checked in with doctors to come up with the next phase of a plan. “I’m just excited to get out with the boys,” Tkachuk said. “I don’t know when that’s going to be, but it’s obviously kind of getting over that hump and sooner rather than later. It’s starting to trend really, really well.”
Road to Recovery and Future Plans
There are a slew of benchmarks Tkachuk has to hit along the way, Maurice said. Tkachuk missed the final 25 games of the regular season last spring but was able to play through both injuries for the Panthers when they won their second consecutive Stanley Cup. It also would seem like Tkachuk is on pace to be with USA Hockey in February at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Tkachuk had 23 points — eight goals and 15 assists — in 23 playoff games, including seven points in the Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton. The Panthers beat the Oilers in six games. “I’ve just got to get the jets on and start feeling good and I think I’ll be hopefully picking up where I left off, if not hopefully better,” Tkachuk said. “That’s the ideal plan.”
Conclusion
Matthew Tkachuk’s return to the ice is a positive sign for the Florida Panthers, who are eagerly awaiting his season debut. Although there is no set return date, Tkachuk’s progress suggests he is on track to rejoin the team in the near future. His eventual return will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the team’s lineup.
FAQs
- Q: When is Matthew Tkachuk expected to return to the Florida Panthers?
A: Tkachuk is expected to return around December, although there is no official return date set. - Q: What injuries did Matthew Tkachuk have surgery for?
A: Tkachuk had surgery for a sports hernia and torn adductor muscle. - Q: How many points did Tkachuk have in the playoffs last season?
A: Tkachuk had 23 points in 23 playoff games, including eight goals and 15 assists. - Q: Is Tkachuk on track to participate in the Milan Cortina Olympics?
A: Yes, it seems like Tkachuk is on pace to be with USA Hockey in February at the Milan Cortina Olympics. - Q: How has Tkachuk’s rehabilitation process been?
A: Tkachuk spent the first few weeks of the summer rehabbing and had surgery after his wedding and honeymoon. He has recently started skating again and is progressing in his recovery.
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