The Florida Panthers have won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles.
That championship defense, and pursuit of a three-peat, begins this week. But they'll have to do it without Matthew Tkachuk.
The superstar winger is missing the start of the season due to injury.
Tkachuk has averaged nearly a point per game in his NHL career, and more than a point per game since joining the Panthers from the Calgary Flames in 2022.
With Florida, Tkachuk has 88 goals and 166 assists (254 points) in 211 games played.
He also has 303 hits in that span.
But for now, Tkachuk is sidelined.
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How long is Matthew Tkachuk out?
In mid-September, Panthers general manager Bill Zito revealed that Tkachuk would be out for a few months.
Zito told reporters, via insider George Richards: "Tkachuk should be out until December, but don't hold me to that."
Tkachuk was originally hurt in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, but he came back in time to make the Cup run.
In the offseason, Tkachuk underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia and a torn abductor.
The Panthers open their season Tuesday, Oct. 7 against the Chicago Blackhawks. Tkachuk won't be on the ice, and it might be a while until he's back out there.
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