Matthew Tkachuk's Status Raises Alarm Bells in Florida After New Insider Update
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
According to insider Nick Kypreos, a new update on Matthew Tkachuk's injury status has led to the belief that he might not be ready until after the Christmas break, a huge blow to the Panthers.
Two-time Stanley Cup Champion Matthew Tkachuk has carved out quite the career for himself after being traded from Calgary in a blockbuster deal involving Jonathan Huberdeau and Mackenzie Weegar, becoming a crucial part of the Panthers prospective dynasty.
He's dealing with an injury however, and although it didn't seem too serious at first, it still is something the Panthers star is struggling with.
Merry Christmas Matthew: Tkachuk potentially out until after break
Florida is hoping that things are good before the puck drops in October, but according to NHL analyst Nick Kypreos: That may not be an option.
On his updated Summer Trade Board, one that has sparked a lot of speculation in recent weeks.
Kypreos explained in the section regarding Evan Rodrigues as a potential trade candidate that Tkachuk's injury progress isn't great, and the team may be without him...until after Christmas:
Florida has some time to think about it and one thing that could factor into a decision is Matthew Tkachuk's injury status.
There's a possibility that Tkachuk's long-suffering injury may need corrective surgery which could keep him out through the Christmas break. It doesn't appear that Tkachuk's Olympic participation in February is in jeopardy at this point in time, however.
If Tkachuk were to miss the beginning of the season and be out for a while, the Panthers would be able to get under the cap by putting his contract on LTIR.
There's a possibility that Tkachuk's long-suffering injury may need corrective surgery which could keep him out through the Christmas break. It doesn't appear that Tkachuk's Olympic participation in February is in jeopardy at this point in time, however.
If Tkachuk were to miss the beginning of the season and be out for a while, the Panthers would be able to get under the cap by putting his contract on LTIR.
While it's a relief to the US National Team that he should be good to go for the Olympics, him being out for nearly the first half of the season is going to be a nightmare for the Panthers.
Time to be hunted: The Panthers suddenly vulnerable; but still destructive
They should be fine cap wise, obviously. They always are. But it's very, very lucky that Bill Zito was able to bring back everyone he could, but it doesn't make things easier in the Atlantic.
Florida's biggest rivals, Toronto and Tampa Bay both improved this offseason, and while the Lightning were dominated last season, they have consistently been a powerhouse so it isn't shocking to see them get hot.
Then you have the Leafs who have done everything under the sun to forget about Mitch Marner and also instil some new DNA into the team. Yes, it's going to suck losing him but hey; the team is much, much deeper.
That depth plus another year under Craig Berube's tutelage is only going to help things, and if Florida wants to be nasty, then they are in for quite the surprise.
Tkachuk, 27, had 57 points in 52 games for the Panthers (22 goals, 35 assists) adding 23 points in the postseason (8 goals, 15 assists) while lifting his second straight Cup.
So while unfortunate news for the Panthers, other teams are going to reap the benefits of not having Tkachuk to worry about.
Just a shame they have such a dangerous team regardless.
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