As a dedicated follower of hockey, you likely know that Matthew Tkachuk may soon make his return to the ice. Indeed, the head coach of the Florida Panthers, Paul Maurice, has verified this information, declaring, “Everybody is possible for Game 1.” Undoubtedly, within that “everybody,” Matthew’s name is included as well. This marks a significant turning point for the Panthers. What’s the reason for that?

Clearly, having a player of Tkachuk’s caliber on the ice will be crucial as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Supporters have been anxiously anticipating this comeback, as the Panthers forward has been sidelined due to a groin injury sustained during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February. In early March, the Panthers decided to place him on long-term injured reserve, which means he will be out for the remainder of the regular season.

In addition, there’s a noteworthy update concerning the other Tkachuk. Indeed, we’re referring to Brady, Matthew’s brother. On X, B/R Open Ice reported that “Brady Tkachuk will return to the Sens’ lineup tonight against the Hurricanes. It will be Tkachuk’s first game since March 30.”

Today, the Carolina Hurricanes are set to take on the Ottawa Senators. In a thrilling development for Senators fans, their captain is set to take the ice. On March 30, 2025, Brady suffered an upper-body injury after being hit by Ryan Graves of the Pittsburgh Penguins. This injury led to his absence during the crucial final stretch of the regular season.

Even in his absence, Brady showcased his prowess by netting 29 goals and securing the third spot in points with a total of 55 across 71 games. He made his return to practice on April 14, and it appears that for the last regular-season game, he will be back on the ice as a Sens player facing off against the Canes. Only time will tell how he will fare against the competition. However, are you aware that even if Matthew Tkachuk is returning to the Panthers, the franchise might lose one of their star forwards to a match suspension?

Florida might have trouble despite Matthew Tkachuk’s return to the squad

Matthew Tkachuk’s potential return to the Florida Panthers for the playoffs raises hopes, but the team may face challenges with another forward’s absence. How did it happen? The NHL Player Safety’s official account on X has reported that “Florida’s Jesse Puljujarvi will have a hearing tomorrow for an illegal check to the head against Tampa Bay’s Mitchell Chaffee.”

Jesse Puljujarvi, a forward for the Panthers, is scheduled for a disciplinary hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety following a match penalty for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Mitchell Chaffee in Tuesday night’s game. At 11:32 remaining in the third period, Chaffee, who had the puck in the offensive zone, was suddenly hit in the head by Puljujarvi’s shoulder.

Chaffee hit the ice, triggering a frenzied clash among players from both sides. Due to this situation, Puljujarvi could face a suspension, which may impact his status as the playoffs approach.