Matthew Tkachuk will miss the start of the 2025-26 season following surgery over the summer. The timetable for his return is unclear, but it appears the forward will be out until at least January.
Tkachuk Undergoes Surgery; Will Miss Start of Season
Can confirm Matthew Tkachuk underwent surgery a few weeks ago and will miss the start of the season.
Timeline is unclear, but he could be out of action as long as sometime in January.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 22, 2025
Tkachuk tore his adductor muscle and sustained a sports hernia while playing for Team USA during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He missed the remainder of the regular season, but returned for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tkachuk scored eight goals for the Panthers, including the Stanley Cup-winning goal as the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup for a second-straight year.
Impact on the Panters
Thankfully, the Panthers have enough talent to navigate the first part of the season. As long as Tkachuk does come back, they will be in good shape. Even if Tkachuk does not come back until after January, the Panthers should be fine. As long as Tkachuk can lace the skates for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Panthers will be happy.
Impact on the Olympics
Tkachuk was part of the roster announced for Team USA’s orientation camp for the Winter Olympics. Tkachuk would have been a guaranteed selection to the team, but this injury may remove him from Olympic consideration.
It would be disappointing to not see Matthew and Brady Tkachuk drop the gloves against Team Canada again, but Panthers’ fans would likely rather see Matthew skip the Olympics to remain healthy for the playoff run.
Surgery is the Latest in a Busy Summer
Between surgery and celebrating yet another Stanley Cup victory, it has been a busy summer for Tkachuk. Furthermore, Tkachuk was announced as the cover athlete for the NHL 26 video game. Other versions of the game will feature Matthew and Brady alongside their father, Keith Tkachuk.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro- Imagn Images
