Insider Reveals that Aaron Ekblad's Suspension May Open the Door for Matthew Tkachuk's Return to Panthers
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Matthew Tkachuk was supposedly out for the remainder of the regular season, but after a recent suspension, he may return sooner than originally expected as the team will now be able to fit him under the salary cap at some point in the regular season.
This past week, the NHL was rocked by a PED violation from Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, which means the defending Champs will be without their top blue liner for the remainder of the regular season.
While that's a major blow, according to top NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, it could lead to a major return for the team, as he suggests the Panthers could now fit Matthew Tkachuk's return into their salary cap for the remainder of the regular season.
«Now, the door has been opened with the 20-game suspension to Aaron Ekblad His money comes off the books, and there's a small window - potentially in the last week of the regular season - if all goes well, they could make the money work and get Matthew Tkachuk back on their cap."
It's unlikely that the return will come before the final week or two of the regular season, but with the addition of Brad Marchand, getting him reps before the Stanley Cup Playoffs would be a major positive as they look to go back-to-back in 2025.
Unfortunately for the Panthers, Tkachuk has been out of the lineup since the Four Nations Face Off, playing less than 10 minutes in the Finale, but when healthy he's been at his best once again, and if he can get back to 100%, this is a team that will no doubt be seen as a favourite in the wide open Eastern Conference.
| POLL | ||
MARS 15 | 150 ANSWERS Insider Reveals that Aaron Ekblad's Suspension May Open the Door for Matthew Tkachuk's Return to Panthers Will Matthew Tkachuk play again in the regular season? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 34.7 % |
| No | 98 | 65.3 % |
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