Matthew Tkachuk Finally Addresses Surgery Decision Ahead of NHL Season Opener
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Matthew Tkachuk finally opened up about his potential surgery plans to ESPN and seemed conflicted on whether he should take the safe route or try and play through.
News broke a little while ago regarding the future of Matthew Tkachuk in the 2025-26 season given that he suffered some serious injuries that although didn't keep him out of the playoffs, is making life miserable for him this offseason.
Faced with surgery, Tkachuk has been rumored to be out for a long time if he does decide to go under the knife, and for the Florida Panthers, their quest for a three-peat and solidifying their dynasty is in jeopardy depending on when he is able to come back.
He could also opt not for surgery but risks a massive setback if he gets hurt again, and it's a huge question mark going into the season.
Panthers' Star Could Miss Months If He Proceeds With Surgery
However, we have a much clearer idea of Tkachuk's thinking even if he didn't commit one way or another. Tkachuk told ESPN that he is contemplating surgery and admits he would be out for a good portion of the season.
If I do get the surgery, it'll definitely be the first two or maybe three months if that's the case. But it's still undecided at this point.
I'm still hoping to hit the ice as soon as possible.
I'm still hoping to hit the ice as soon as possible.
It's an unfortunate turn of events for the Panthers, and head coach Paul Maurice reflected on Tkachuk last season and how terrible things were even though he played:
We weren't hopeful at the start that he would survive the first round.
How Tkachuk's Decision Could Impact the Atlantic Division Race
But with that being said, for the sake of his career, it's likely that Tkachuk will undergo surgery to not only ensure he's good for the rest of this season but doesn't jeopardize his future.
With him out that means the Atlantic Division becomes even more wide open than it already was. Florida is going to have the Maple Leafs nipping at their heels, plus Tampa Bay, Montreal, Ottawa, and even Buffalo could make some waves this season.
Florida needs to get off to a hot start if they want to have any hopes of weathering a hungry and vengeful Atlantic group that is hellbent on making sure they don't make the dance for the third year in a row.
But that also means teams like Toronto and Tampa Bay can't let the foot off the gas, and if they are unable to take some pretty easy games at the beginning of the season, it's just going to make that climb harder once Tkachuk returns.
For now though, we just need to wait and see if the Florida star decides he wants to risk his future for the chance to keep the Panthers afloat.
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AOUT 8 | 927 ANSWERS Matthew Tkachuk Finally Addresses Surgery Decision Ahead of NHL Season Opener Will Matthew Tkachuk decide to undergo surgery? | ||
| Yes | 802 | 86.5 % |
| No | 125 | 13.5 % |
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