The Florida Panthers look like a team primed to make a solid run at a Stanley Cup three-peat. General manager Bill Zito managed to re-sign three of the team's biggest impending free agents after this year's run, which should leave all other 31 NHL teams quivering in their skates.
However, that conquest could be delayed significantly due to a massive injury update. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on his "32 Thoughts Podcast," star forward Matthew Tkachuk could miss the start of the 2025-26 regular season while he recovers from a myriad of ailments suffered during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"We're gonna find out at some point here that Matthew Tkachuk will miss the start of the season," Friedman said Sunday. "I think he'll be back in time for the Olympics... I think he's gonna miss the start of the year and a chunk of time after that."
No specifics were given about what Tkachuk is enduring but his anticipated return for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy in February should be a welcome one for Florida fans. However, by the time the Olympic break hits, the Panthers will have already played 57 games or roughly 69.5 percent of the regular season.
Matthew Tkachuk's injuries could keep Florida Panthers from Stanley Cup three-peat contention
While the Panthers are stacked with offensive firepower, losing Tkachuk is going to seriously hamper their ability to dominate on that end of the ice. The 27-year-old alternate captain finished third on the team in points (57), fourth in goals (22), third in assists (35) and second in power play goals (11) last season.
That's not easily replaceable and missing that much production for almost two-thirds of the season is going to add up rapidly.
Tkachuk is also the heart and soul of the team when it comes to toughness. He's not afraid to impose his physicality on opponents even if it means squaring up. That fuels a locker room and without it, things could get very stale very quickly if nobody else steps up in his absence.
That being said, champions always overcome adversity. If the Panthers are truly built for yet another championship run, then they'll have no issue finding ways to supplement for Tkachuk while he recovers. If they're anywhere near the playoff race by the time he returns, the rest of the league better be on high alert.