It’s going to be a while until Matthew Tkachuk is back in the Florida Panthers lineup.

NHL insider David Pagnotta reported Friday that Tkachuk had surgery several weeks ago and will miss part of the regular season.

These are things we have suspected for a while.

Can confirm Matthew Tkachuk underwent surgery a few weeks ago and will miss the start of the season.

Timeline is unclear, but he could be out of action as long as sometime in January.

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 22, 2025

Back in June, after the Panthers won their second straight Stanley Cup, Tkachuk revealed that he had been playing through both a torn hip abductor and a sports hernia.

The specifics of Tkachuk’s surgery have not been revealed, but he’s expected to be out until sometime before the 2026 Winter Olympics that take place in February in Milan, Italy.

It's been an excellent summer for Tkachuk.

He's celebrated a Stanley Cup win (for over a week), had a blast at the championship parade, gotten married, brought the Cup home to St. Louis and traveled with both teammates and his new bride. 

Now, it's time to recover and prepare to get back in the ring again next winter and spring. 

Florida is expected to be a Stanley Cup Contender for years to come, and even with Tkachuk out of the lineup for part of the season, as long as he’s good to go for the playoffs, the Panthers are fine with that.

Since arriving in South Florida, Tkachuk has helped the Cats reach the Stanley Cup Final in each of his three seasons, logging 88 goals and 254 points in 211 regular season games.

He’s been better than a point-per-game player during the playoffs, racking up 25 goals and 69 points in 67 postseason games in a Panthers sweater.

Tkachuk’s absence will create an opportunity for someone on Florida’s second line next to Sam Bennett, and candidates who will get a look will likely include Mackie Samoskevich and Evan Rodrigues.

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Photo caption: Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) controls the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)

While Team Canada has only invited three goaltenders to its Olympic orientation camp at the end of August, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be the ones to make the trip to Italy in February. St. Louis Blues’ Jordan Binnington, Vegas Golden Knights' Adin Hill, and Montreal Canadiens’ Samuel Montembeault were part of the team that won the 4 Nations Face-Off, but there’s no guarantee that they will be part of the Olympic squad.

Canadiens: David Reinbacher Is Back On The Ice In Brossard
Canadiens: Slafkovsky Named Player Of The Year In Slovakia
Canadiens: Fans Feel Very Confident About The Habs’ Front Office

Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong appeared on TSN 1050 Toronto on Thursday and set the record straight:

It just didn't feel right bringing that large number of goalies to the camp, so we just went with the three, but I've talked to the other goalies and told them that it's an open competition to play well and make our decisions hard in January. It's open competition for that goaltending position.

-

While Canada is no longer a power house in net as it was in the past with the likes of Martin Brodeur, Patrick Roy, Roberto Luongo, and Carey Price, there are still a few goaltenders who could make Armstrong’s job as a GM more complicated.

The Canadiens faced one of them in the playoffs last season when Logan Thompson backstopped the Washington Capitals to a 4-1 series win over the Habs. Stuart Skinner, who has taken the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup final twice, could also be a worthy candidate, just like Darcy Kuemper, who has the top job with the Los Angeles Kings these days. Even Mackenzie Blackwood, who now plays for the Colorado Avalanche, could be worth a look. Since arriving in Dever, he has a 2.33 goals-against-average and a .913 save percentage.

This should fuel Montembeault for the upcoming season. Not only will he be playing to help the Canadiens get to the playoffs once again, but he will also be playing to earn his ticket to Milano Cortina.

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With Fedorov’s No. 91 set to be retired, the Red Wings’ centennial season raises the question of which legends might be next.

With Sergei Fedorov’s No. 91 officially rising to the rafters at Little Caesars Arena this upcoming season, the Detroit Red Wings will have honored another of their countless living legends. Fedorov’s jersey retirement was long overdue as a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the team and was the player fans had been waiting to have his number retired for some time. The next question for Red Wings historians is: who’s next? 

Several iconic players have proudly worn the Winged Wheel, yet their numbers still haven’t been raised to the rafters. Detroit legends like Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, Gordie Howe, and now Sergei Fedorov have all received the honor, but a handful of other Red Wings greats remain in waiting. 

With the team celebrating its centennial season, more legendary names are likely to be revisited and perhaps finally recognized by the organization.

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

Henrik Zetterberg – No. 40

At the top of the list is Henrik Zetterberg, the longtime captain and face of the franchise during its transition from perennial contender to rebuilding club. A 2008 Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Zetterberg was the epitome of consistency and leadership.

He spent his entire 15-year NHL career in Detroit, totaling 960 points in 1,082 games and serving as captain from 2013 until his retirement in 2018. His work ethic and loyalty have kept him beloved in Hockeytown, and fans frequently speculate when his number will join the others in the rafters.

Odds: Very High

"He Needs To Drag This Team To The Playoffs": Dylan Larkin Directly Challenged By NHL Insider There is no player on the Detroit Red Wings who wants more badly to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs more than team captain Dylan Larkin.

Pavel Datsyuk – No. 13

If Fedorov’s number can be retired despite a complicated departure from Detroit, then Pavel Datsyuk’s No. 13 deserves serious consideration. The “Magic Man” dazzled with his jaw-dropping skill, uncanny defensive play, and infectious personality. His ability to deke and move the puck past defenders with his elite stick play changed the way hockey was played into more of a finesse game. 

Datsyuk won two Stanley Cups in 2002 and 2008, three Selke Trophies as the league's best defensive forward, and was a four-time Lady Byng winner. He tallied 918 points in 953 games, and his legacy being remembered as the player to produce the most highlight reel goals in league history.  

Odds: Very High

Chris Osgood – No. 30

A three-time Stanley Cup champion and longtime goaltender for the Wings, Chris Osgood’s place in team history is significant as one of the franchise's best netminders. His 401 career wins (317 with Detroit) and playoff heroics, include his stellar play during Detroit's runs to Stanley Cups in 1998 and 2008. Osgood’s critics often attributed his success to playing behind a powerhouse blueline, pointing to the fact that he never won the Vezina Trophy as evidence.

However, it's difficult to overlook his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. From 1993 to 2011, Osgood recorded 74 playoff wins, the third most during that span, along with an impressive 2.09 goals against average. He also made 2,918 playoff saves, more than elite goaltenders like Dominik Hasek and Curtis Joseph, ranking fourth overall in that period.

Odds: Moderate

Bring Back Fabbri? Red Wings Weigh Options for Top Line LW SpotAs training camp nears, the Detroit Red Wings face a crucial decision of who will fill in as the first-line left wing.

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There is no player on the Detroit Red Wings who wants more badly to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs more than team captain Dylan Larkin.

Larkin, who was named the official successor to Henrik Zetterberg as Red Wings team captain prior to the start of the 2020-21 NHL season, is the last remaining player from the Detroit squad that most recently qualified for the postseason in 2016 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Former NHL forward Mike Rupp, who now works as an Insider for NHL Network, recently issued a direct challenge to Larkin during a segment on the League's top-20 centers - put the team on your back and get them across the finish line. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

"This might not be fair to say, but I think it speaks volumes to what I think of him as a player - I think he needs to drag this team to the playoffs," Rupp said. "I think we need to see a moment - he needs to have his moment where this guy is just out of this world. He has the ability to do it." 

"I'm not putting it all on him, it's a team sport and there's a lot of tother things going on," Rupp continued. "But we have seen some other guys do that thing, find ways to drag your team into the mix. I think Dylan Larkin is a prototypical power forward, I love everything about his game. But I think the one thing lacking is his team not making the playoffs." 

"I think Dylan Larkin is a prototypical power forward. I love everything about his game." - @Rupper17@JamisonCoyle | @BriBrows22 | @DetroitRedWings | #NHLTopPlayershttps://t.co/KDIabxPP2dpic.twitter.com/kiv5ZKh7af

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 22, 2025

Larkin, ranked as the NHL’s 15th-best center by the Network, has spent his entire career with the Red Wings since being drafted in 2014. The last time he and Detroit played beyond the regular season was during his 2015-16 rookie campaign, when they fell to the Lightning in a quick five-game series. 

Since then, the closest they’ve come to securing a playoff berth was when they lost a tiebreaker to the Washington Capitals on the final day of the 2023-24 regular season. Larkin’s devastated demeanor after the season finale against the Montreal Canadiens, having fallen just short of the playoffs, was enough to tug at the heartstrings of even the most hardened Red Wings fans.

At times, Larkin has also appeared to voice frustration, most notably when he expressed his disappointment over no major additions being made to the roster at this most recent season's NHL Trade Deadline. 

Larkin's passion for the Red Wings and his desire to win are undeniable, and he committed to see things through with the team when he inked an eight-year contract extension in 2023. There is no doubt that his ultimate career ambition is to raise the Stanley Cup as team captain of the Red Wings. 

It's human nature for frustration to set in for Larkin, knowing that his time between playoff games will be no less than a full decade if the Red Wings can break their drought in the upcoming season. 

It's been Larkin who has faced the media and had to answer difficult questions during their prolonged and painful losing streaks, especially during the dark days of the 2019-20 season. He wears his heart on his sleeve. 

When the Red Wings finally return to the postseason, it will be a gratifying moment for Larkin, knowing that burden has been lifted, especially if he can rise to Rupp’s challenge and be the driving force in pushing Detroit over the hump.

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The Florida Panthers have added another gritty forward to their stable of sandpaper guys.

Florida inked forward Luke Kunin to a one-year deal in a move the team confirmed on Friday afternoon.

Kunin will turn 28 this season and has played for four different teams over his eight years in the NHL.

He’s shown that he’s not afraid to throw his body around but still holds some offensive upside, scoring double-digit goals every full season he’s played since 2019.

“Luke is a physical and highly competitive forward who possesses excellent leadership abilities and strong character,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a statement released by the team.

Kunin racked up 11 goals and 18 points in 63 games with the San Jose Sharks last season before he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He’s played in 434 NHL games, accumulating 73 goals and 142 points, consistently ranking among team leaders in hits.

With Matthew Tkachuk expected to miss some time during the regular season, Kunin will likely slide into a bottom six role and help fortify Florida’s forward depth. 

Kunin actually led all Sharks forwards in hits with 165 in 2023-24, and he finished among Nashville forwards with 223 hits in 2021-22.

He played the first three seasons of his career with the Minnesota Wild after they selected Kunin 15th overall at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

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Photo caption: Feb 23, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; San Jose Sharks center Luke Kunin (11) during the face off against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. (Sergei Belski-Imagn Images)

This week's Edmonton Oilers Friday Faceoff is full of news, trade speculation and talk about certain players on the roster. The biggest story of the week is how the team's front office ranked in a recent poll from The Athletic. Fans aren't confident this group running the Oilers is ideally suited to make sure things go smoothly. Is that a problem?

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Check Out The First Four Posts in a Series About McDavid v. the Decade of Darkness

McDavid v. the Decade of Darkness: Part 1: My Introduction to the Oilers

McDavid v. the Decade of Darkness: Part 2: "Where's My Bottle Cap?"

McDavid v. the Decade of Darkness: Part 3: The Gretzky Trade

McDavid v. the Decade of Darkness: Part 4: Pronger Wants Out

McDavid v. the Decade of Darkness: Part 4: Pronger Wants OutAuthor's Note:

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Front Office Ranks Low

Despite consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances, the Edmonton Oilers’ front office didn't see much of a bump in a recent ranking column from The Athletic. Coming in 21st out of 32 NHL teams, it was only four spots higher than last season.

The biggest point of contention was the loss of Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to offer sheets.  Because the Oilers prioritized Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, and it didn't pan out, fans felt that this current management team may struggle to identify the right type of talent.

From there, the signing of Trent Frederic after acquiring him at the trade deadline didn't sit well with some fans.

Inconsistent decision-making and the inability to fully capitalize on generational stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have left fans uneasy, questioning whether GM Stan Bowman and CEO Jeff Jackson can navigate what's coming. 

Trent Frederic: Potential Surprise of the Season

Speaking of Frederic, the eight-year, $3.85 million deal was viewed as one of the blunders of the off-season in a poll about bad contracts. Frederic was praised by Bowman for his unique style and what he brings to Edmonton, but injuries meant he couldn't demonstrate his full potential.

Does that mean this will turn out to be a terrible signing? Perhaps not.

Allan Mitchell of The Athletic argues that while initially criticized as a questionable move, Frederic’s combination of scoring, physicality, and agitation could make him a fan favorite if healthy. Should he return at 100 percent, Frederic could turn a contract once considered a risk into a bargain, emerging as one of the season’s biggest surprises.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ Role

Veteran center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins enters 2025-26 at a crossroads, likely opening the season as the Oilers’ third-line pivot. While his power-play spot remains secure, declining production — 49 points last season after 104 and 67 in prior years — has raised questions about his long-term fit.

Nugent-Hopkins is the longest-serving Oiler on the team, and even if he's no longer a point-per-game player, he brings versatility, hockey sense, and a team-friendly contract in a rising salary cap environment. A strong start to the 2025-26 season could remove any doubt about his future or where he fits long term. If he struggles, a limited depth role may trigger trade speculation.

He does have trade protection in his contract, so any talk of him being moved needs to keep that in mind. 

Goaltending and Roster Moves

The Oilers’ goaltending situation remains a concern, with Stuart Skinner inconsistent and Calvin Pickard aging on an expiring deal. New Jersey’s Nico Daws, 24, has been suggested as a low-risk, high-upside option to push for starts while offering long-term potential. The Devils have a surplus of netminders, but it's not clear what the asking price would be, or if the Oilers see Daws as an upgrade that would be anything more than a player to put into their pipeline. 

Meanwhile, Edmonton has been linked to potential trades for Fabian Lysell from Boston, though overlapping talent makes such a move uncertain.  David Staples of the Edmonton Journal cited comments that the Bruins and the Oilers "have been in conversations.”

The Oilers also face decisions regarding minor moves and depth acquisitions to address key roster holes.

Milan Lucic PTO Veteran Gets a Tryout With Blues

St. Louis Blues confirmed on Tuesday that Milan Lucic is attempting an NHL return with a professional tryout. His last run was with the Boston Bruins before leaving the NHL to enter the Players' Assistance Program. He has since been reinstated.

The link between Peter Chiarelli and Lucic may explain Lucic’s PTO offer. While unlikely he's got what's needed in the tank to be an effective NHL player, it's a low-risk evaluation of whether the 37-year-old can contribute in a bottom-six role. 

For the Oilers, that the Blues are linked in this feels like another kick in the gut, assuming Lucic can make the team and be an impact player. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss the latest news, game-day coverage, and more.   Add us to your Google News favourites, and never miss a story.

Is it October yet? 

Unfortunately, no, but we're here to help pass the time. From Aug. 8 to Sept. 1, The Hockey News Nashville Predators will be counting down 24 players in 24 days, profiling every current or potentially rostered player. 

Today's player profile is forward Luke Evangelista. 

24 Nashville Predators in 24 days series 

Adam Wilsby

Jordan Oesterle

Andreas Engulund

Cole Smith

Michael McCarron

Justin Barron

Zachary L’Heureux

Matthew Wood

Nick Blankenburg

Brady Martin

Michael Bunting

Justus Annunen

Nick Perbix

As an NHL prospect

Evangelista joined the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League in his first season of juniors, scoring two points in 27 games. He didn't really hit his stride until his draft year, the 2019-20 season, where he scored 61 points in 62 games.

He was selected 42nd overall by the Predators in the 2020 NHL Draft. Evangelista would actually play 14 games with the Chicago Wolves during the 2020-21 season, scoring four points in 14 games before returning to London the following season. 

During the 2021-22 season, he was named team captain of the London Knights and scored a massive 111 points (55 goals and 56 assists) in 62 games, with a plus/minus of 29. Shockingly, he was ranked fourth in scoring that season. 

Professional career 

Evangelista was back in Milwaukee to start the 2022-23 season and continued to be a prolific scorer. He netted 41 goals in 49 games and played in the 2023 AHL All-Star Game. In the playoffs, Evangelista scored 15 points in 16 games. 

He also made his NHL debut, playing 24 games with the Predators and scoring 15 points. Evangelista joined the Predators full-time for the 2023-24 season, scoring 39 points in 80 games. He also had a point in six playoff games.

This past season, he had 32 points in 68 games. Evangelista has no current contract as he is a restricted free agent. 

What role will he play this season?

This is a double layered situation. 

The elephant in the room needs to be addressed, that the Predators have still not extended a new contract to Evangelista. The Predators made him a qualifying offer on July 1, but Evangelista and his representation passed on it.

According to General Manager Barry Trotz, Evangelista's representation didn't like the length of the contract. The original offer expired on July 15. Evangelista's agents and the Predators have likely been negotiating offers since then, but about a month out from training camp, Evangelista is still a restricted free agent. 

Considering that Trotz's seat continues to get hotter and hotter following questionable signings in the offseason and almost weekly critiques by The Athletic on the Predators' front office, getting Evangelista to sign a new deal before the start of training camp or during would quiet some of that. 

In Evangelista's role with the Predators, he is a part of the next generation of this team. Considering all the talent that the Predators have drafted over the last three years and those ready to make the jump up to the NHL, Evangelista is leading that charge. 

His game is really beginning to heat up and getting him on a consistent line this fall could see everything really take off. If Brady Martin comes in, Matthew Wood starts going and the Fyodor Svechkov experiment works at center, the Predators are lined up for success. 

But that all starts with making sure that Evangelista is a priority and meeting his contractual obligations. It seems the Predators want to lock him down for a longer contract, which is why the negotiations are stalling. 

Trotz has said Evangelista is "the future" and he's really looking like that.