The Florida Panthers are getting some help just in the nick of time. News emerged that forward Matthew Tkachuk will return to the lineup on Monday. Tkachuk is set to make his season debut for the Panthers against the San Jose Sharks. This news was broken by team reporter Jameson Olive.
HES BACKKKKKKKKKK
— P5ive (@ParlayP5ive) January 19, 2026
Matthew Tkachuk to Return to the Lineup for Florida Panthers
Tkachuk has missed the Panthers’ first 47 games on the season. The Florida forward has been recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia sustained at last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off.
Tkachuk has played for the Calgary Flames and the Panthers across his nine-year NHL career. The Scottsdale, Ariz. native tallied 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points in 52 games last season. He averaged 18 minutes and 14 seconds of ice time last campaign. Tkachuk had a Corsi for of 65.8 and a relative Corsi of 14.7.
The 28-year-old has 240 goals and 396 assists for 636 points in 642 career games. Calgary originally drafted Tkachuk in the first round, sixth overall of the 2016 NHL Draft.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner is the son of Keith Tkachuk and brother of Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk.
What It Means
This is good news not just for the Panthers but for Team USA. Tkachuk brings an edge to his game that can frustrate opponents. However, he can also score goals and contribute on both ends of the ice.
As of Monday, the Panthers are four points off the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference held by the Buffalo Sabres. Florida is currently in danger of being the sixth team to win a Stanley Cup but miss the playoffs the next season.
However, Tkachuk’s return will bolster the Panthers, who love to play a physical game. He’s one of the catalysts of that style play for Florida. He’ll also help the Americans in their quest for a gold medal at the upcoming Olympics.
Main photo by: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images