Hobbled Tkachuk sits as Panthers take on Kraken

SUNRISE, Fla. -- Florida Panthers star forward Matthew Tkachuk sat out Saturday's game against the Seattle Kraken because of a lower-body injury. Panthers coach Paul Maurice announced Tkachuk's absence after the pregame morning skate.

Tkachuk first experienced discomfort during the 4 Nations Face-Off, when he helped lead the United States to the tournament final. He was limited to 6:47 of ice time in the United States' 3-2 finals loss against Canada on Thursday. Editor's Picks Has international hockey replaced the NHL All-Star Game for good? 1d Greg Wyshynski Kraken's Eberle returning following rare injury 4h Who are the locks, maybes and rising stars for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics? 1d Greg Wyshynski Maurice said Tkachuk will undergo more tests in the next two days before the Panthers determine the next steps.



The Panthers have a road game in Nashville, before their Stanley Cup Final rematch game against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night. The 27-year-old Tkachuk has 22 goals and 35 assists for the Panthers this season. Tkachuk was one of four Panthers who played in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart played for tournament-champion Canada and Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov represented Finland. The Associated Press contributed to this report..