Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Says It's '50-50' If He'll Need Surgery on Adductor Injury

After admitting to having a torn adductor the he played through for the entire postseason, Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk still isn't sure if he will need to undergo surgery this summer.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Tkachuk said it's "50-50" if his injury will require surgery and he has more tests scheduled before any final decision is made.

Tkachuk said after the Panthers' 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals to clinch the title that he had been playing through the adductor injury and a hernia.

The injury occurred during the Four Nations Face-Off event on Feb. 17 when Tkachuk was playing for the United States. He was injured in the third period of America's 3-1 win over Canada.

Tkachuk told reporters after the game he wasn't concerned about it being an issue going forward.

"I feel good," he said. "Definitely way better after a win. Should be all good."

Tkachuk sat out the final 25 games of the regular season with what the Panthers said was a groin injury.

"Matthew's going to be out for an extended period of time. We hope to get him back for the playoffs," Panthers general manager Bill Zito told reporters on March 3 when Tkachuk was placed on long-term injured reserve.

The Panthers got Tkachuk back at the start of the postseason. His playing time was limited in the first round, as he was held under 14 minutes on the ice in three of the five games against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tkachuk didn't play like he was hindered by an injury in the playoffs. The 27-year-old racked up 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 23 games. His final goal of the season came in the first period of the clinching game against the Oilers.

Typical recovery time for adductor surgery is six to eight weeks if Tkachuk goes under the knife.

The Panthers are building a modern-day NHL dynasty. They have advanced to the Stanley Cup Final in three consecutive years, winning in each of the past two seasons. They are the first team to repeat as champions since the Lightning in 2019-20 and 2020-21.