Matthew Tkachuk Returns as Panthers Host Sharks in Monday Night Matchup
FORT LAUDERDALE - The Panthers are getting a major boost tonight as Matthew Tkachuk returns to the lineup for the first time this season. After undergoing surgery in August to repair a sports hernia and torn adductor, the All-Star winger is officially back and ready to jump into game action against the San Jose Sharks.
Tkachuk, who’s been sidelined for months, says he’s finally feeling like himself again.
“I’m happy with the whole recovery process,” he said. “There’s a lot of people back in the training room and back in the weight room I have to thank for getting me back to 100 percent. It took until January, but I’m happy to finally be feeling like myself again.”
That’s welcome news for a Florida team that’s been grinding through the season without one of its emotional and offensive leaders. Tkachuk returns to a third-line role alongside Evan Rodrigues and rookie Mackie Samoskevich, a unit that suddenly brings a lot more bite and playmaking potential.
The Panthers have shuffled their lines a bit to accommodate the return. One notable development: Sandis Vilmanis, who’s impressed early in his NHL stint, stays in the lineup and slides down to the fourth line with Cole Schwindt and Jesper Boqvist. It’s a reward for his strong play and a sign the coaching staff sees value in keeping him involved.
Game Time Change, Local Buzz
Tonight’s puck drop comes a little earlier than usual-moved up to 6 p.m.-to avoid overlapping with the Miami Hurricanes’ showdown against Indiana in the 2025 National Championship just down the road at Hard Rock Stadium. With two major events happening in South Florida, it’s a busy night for sports fans in the area.
Between the Pipes
Sergei Bobrovsky gets the nod in goal for Florida. He’s back in net after carrying a heavy load during the recent road trip, starting five of the last six games. Bobrovsky’s been steady, and the Panthers will look to him again as they try to keep pace in a tightly packed playoff race.
Across the ice, Alex Nedeljkovic starts for a Sharks team that’s quietly found its rhythm. San Jose has been playing better hockey of late, and Nedeljkovic has been a big part of that resurgence.
Lineup Moves and Injury Updates
Florida made a roster move to clear the way for Tkachuk’s return, sending Noah Gregor to AHL Charlotte. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand was back on the ice Monday morning, skating without a no-contact jersey and spending extra time working with the scratches. While he’s not ready to return just yet, it’s a positive sign for his recovery.
The Panthers are still without several key players, including captain Sasha Barkov (knee), Tomas Nosek (knee), Dmitry Kulikov (shoulder), Seth Jones (upper body), and Jonah Gadjovich (upper body). Marchand remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
Projected Panthers Lineup
Forwards:
- Eetu Luostarinen - Anton Lundell - Sam Reinhart
- Carter Verhaeghe - Sam Bennett - A.J.
Greer
- Mackie Samoskevich - Evan Rodrigues - Matthew Tkachuk
- Sandis Vilmanis - Cole Schwindt - Jesper Boqvist
Defense:
- Gus Forsling - Aaron Ekblad
- Niko Mikkola - Uvis Balinskis
- Toby Bjornfot - Jeff Petry
Goaltenders:
- Sergei Bobrovsky
- Daniil Tarasov
Scratches: Donovan Sebrango, Luke Kunin, Jack Studnicka
Sent to AHL Charlotte: Noah Gregor
Injured: Brad Marchand, Seth Jones, Sasha Barkov, Tomas Nosek, Dmitry Kulikov, Jonah Gadjovich
Projected Sharks Lineup
Forwards:
- Collin Graf - Macklin Celebrini - Will Smith
- William Eklund - Alexander Wennberg - Tyler Toffoli
- Pavol Regenda - Michael Misa - Igor Chernyshov
- Barclay Goodrow - Zack Ostapchuk - Ryan Reaves
Defense:
- Dmitry Orlov - John Klingberg
- Mario Ferraro - Timothy Liljegren
- Sam Dickinson - Vincent Iorio
Goaltenders:
- Alex Nedeljkovic
- Yaroslav Askarov
Injured: Ty Dellandrea, Vincent Desharnais, Philipp Kurashev, Shakir Mukhamadullin
The Bottom Line
Getting Tkachuk back is more than just a lineup tweak-it’s a shot in the arm for a Panthers team that’s been grinding through injuries and looking for a spark. His return changes the dynamic of Florida’s forward group, adds a high-end playmaker back into the mix, and gives the Panthers another weapon as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.
With Bobrovsky back in net and the Sharks coming in with some momentum of their own, this one has the makings of a sneaky-good Monday night matchup.