Matthew Tkachuk’s injury update: The Panthers' star player's return may be sooner than expected due to Aaron Ekblad’s suspension

The Florida Panthers received positive news about star player Matthew Tkachuk with his projected date of earlier return from his long-term groin injury. The Panthers now have a potential financial opportunity to recall Tkachuk before the playoffs because defenseman Aaron Ekblad received his 20-game suspension according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli.

The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament left Mathew Tkachuk with a severe groin injury which required him to stay on injured reserve since February 8. Sports expert Chris Seravalli believes the suspension of Aaron Ekblad offers an opportunity for Mathew Tkachuk to return before his initially announced significant absence.

A suspension of Ekblad for breaking NHL performance-enhancing substances rules allows Florida Panthers to remove his $7.5 million cap hit from their salary budget. Seravalli appeared on NHL Coast to Coast Prime to explain the potential benefits thatstered shift could provide to Tkachuk.
"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."
If this scenario plays out, Tkachuk would have a brief stint in the regular season to regain his form before the Panthers begin their Stanley Cup defense.

Florida’s general manager, Bill Zito, has remained cautious when discussing Tkachuk’s recovery, reiterating that his status is still uncertain. Earlier this month, he told NHL.com: "We still have projection, diagnosis, and we have rehab. There is a course of action, but how and where and what manner of that progress from that rehab has yet to be determined."
Also Read: Dougie Hamilton injury update: The Devils’ defenseman is out for the season, playoff return uncertain
The Panthers' Atlantic Division leadership position receives a major advantage from the possibility of Blake Tkachuk playing before the playoffs begin. Since the start of this season Florida has relied heavily on Tkachuk who has scored 22 times while achieving 57 points across 52 games. A return during the postseason period would bring exceptional value to Florida's championship defense.