The last time Matthew Tkachuk was on the ice, he didn’t even play for the Panthers. Instead, it was back in February during the 4 Nations Face-Off, shortly after which the Panthers announced he would miss the rest of the regular season. Losing their captain ahead of the playoffs was far from the scenario the Panthers envisioned. Yet, the team has repeatedly said that Tkachuk will return in time for the playoffs.

The Florida Panthers’ captain himself gave the fans hope on Monday. “It’s been trending well,” Tkachuk told the media. “Recovery’s never easy, but worth it in the end. So hopefully I can be back soon,” he said earlier this week, as per Forbes. Yet, with the NHL playoffs knocking on the door, Pucks and Palms writer Colby Guy’s post gave fans cause for concern.

“Pretty full group today for today’s practice,” said the Florida Panthers writer as he posted a photo for the team’s skate. So what was so concerning if the ‘full group’ practiced? “Matthew Tkachuk is not out there, as was the plan per Paul Maurice yesterday…” added the reporter. Now, that’s not something Panthers fans wanted to hear, but that doesn’t mean he won’t play.

While Paul Maurice’s plan may have changed a little, the coach assured fans there isn’t too much cause for concern. “This week is a really important week for him,” said the Florida Panthers coach earlier this week. “He’s not that far off. If he’s not [ready for Game 1 of the playoffs], he’s very, very close. We’re not missing this by two weeks,” continued the coach, adding that he’d be good to go once he started recovering well after hard skating sessions.

Meanwhile, the Arizona native feels he’s been out for far too long. “It’s brutal going from such a high to such a low,” the elder Tkachuk brother said, recalling how he was helping Team USA win by scoring goals to getting sidelined for injury. “Long days and grueling days,” added the 27-year-old NHL star. However, the Panthers didn’t disclose exactly when he’ll return.

Matthew Tkachuk didn’t want trouble

The 27-year-old explained that he was happy his long recovery was finally coming to an end. Yet while the team captain has been down, he has not been out. The Panthers’ leader revealed that despite not being able to join the boys on the ice, he’s been playing the “positive cheerleader” part for his team. Yet, that’s not all, as he’s been fulfilling the captain’s duties in the locker room for a while.

“I’ll be in the room, strategizing, pumping them up. I watch all the games and give them as much feedback as I can,” Matthew Tkachuk said on Monday. Yet, despite discussing so much about his journey since stating the injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off, the NHL veteran stayed tight-lipped on one thing. Tkachuk didn’t divulge the date of his return.

“I think I’d get in trouble if I said (when I’ll return),” the Stanley Cup winner said on FanDuel TV’s Up & Adams on Wednesday. However, Tkachuk explained that he’s had some good times with the team and was looking forward to being back soon. And yet, coming back is only half of the work, as Tkachuk’s aggressive play style means he’ll need to be careful.

Take Matthew Tkachuk’s younger brother, Brady Tkachuk, for example. The Ottawa Senators’ captain finally made his return in the game against the Carolina Hurricanes after eight games on the bench. However, he cut his on-ice time short after taking a stick to the face and sat out the third period. Although Brady Tkachuk said he got in the “power-play reps,” it could’ve ended badly. Yet, do you think the Florida Panthers captain can return in Game 1 of the playoffs? Let us know in the comments.