Concerning Update on Matthew Tkachuk Ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Florida Panthers have been struggling as of late with their injuries and suspensions, but ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they're expected to get back to 100%.

Aaron Ekblad will return in the first series, and the team are very much hoping that Matthew Tkachuk is back for that first series as well, but for now, the latest update is that he is 'still a ways away'.

That's not a good sign for Tkachuk, with Head Coach Paul Maurice noting that the starting date of the Stanley Cup Playoffs could have an impact on Tkachuk's potential return.

However, we've seen No. 19 fight hard through plenty of injuries before, and if he's even close to 100%, you can bet that he'll be on the ice looking to get his team back to their third straight Stanley Cup Finals.

Currently, the team are also without Sam Bennett, who will be out for the remainder of the regular season, but if they can get their team healthy, this is still arguably the best team in the NHL.

As of a week ago, Tkachuk has been skating before practice, which means there has certainly been progress, but as of right now, it's not 100% that he'll be back for game one.

If the Panthers go into a series with the Tampa Bay Lightning or Toronto Maple Leafs at less than 100%, it's certainly going to be a tough battle, but if they can get there by the second or third game, this remains a team that could be competing for the Cup once again in 2025.