The Florida Panthers are about to get a huge boost to their lineup.
Forward Matthew Tkachuk, who has been sidelined over a week, will return to the lineup on Tuesday night when the Panthers take on the Minnesota Wild.
The 26-year-old told reporters after the morning skate that he’s “feeling good right now. Ready to get back into the lineup and help.”
Though his absence was officially disclosed as an illness, Tkachuk clarified that he wasn’t sick, but rather had to get a “little procedure” done.
In two games so far this season, Tkachuk recorded two assists.
This marks what could be a shift in luck for the Panthers, who have been without Tkachuk and captain Aleksander Barkov for several games.
Barkov suffered a lower-body injury in the second game of the season on Oct. 10 against the Ottawa Senators but is making progress in his recovery and could make his return as soon as this week.
That 3-1 loss to the Senators is also the last time Tkachuk has played in a game.