Panthers Coach Paul Maurice Reveals Matthew Tkachuk Injury Update

The news was a bit shocking when a rumor emerged over the weekend that Matthew Tkachuk's injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off could potentially be season-ending.

As Florida Panthers fans waited with bated breath on any real update, they finally got one from head coach Paul Maurice on Monday morning, who sounded a bit unsure of a return date, but was still confident that Tkachuk will be back at some point this season.

Maurice told @JoeRoseShow this AM that Tkachuk will have more testing done today on his lower-body injury:

“There’s a possibility it’s not too serious, but there is a possibility it is a bit longer term. Even with that, he’s playing for us this year.”
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) February 24, 2025

“There’s a possibility it’s not too serious, but there is a possibility it is a bit longer term. but even with that, he’s playing for us this year," said Maurice on the Joe Rose Show. He does hope to hear more later in the day after further medical tests, though it may take a few more days before they know more.

A report from insider Elliotte Friedman is that it could be "a month" for Tkachuk.

Does the coach regret having his key player get hurt in an international tournament, away from his team?

“It’s a heavy, full-contact, hard sport,” Maurice said. “So, when you play that, guys get hurt. You don’t want it to be your guys — you don’t want it to be any guys — but injuries are a part of our game.”

Tkachuk missed their first game back from the break on Saturday against the Seattle Kraken, and realistically, he likely won't be back anytime soon.