Bad injury news strikes for Matthew Tkachuk, revealed by USA Hockey

With the start of next season still months away, however, the focus has been on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano, and the various member-countries' rosters, in particular that of Team USA.

Matthew Tkachuk's notable absence from the Team USA roster was, of course, bad news for both the Americans, and the Florida Panthers.

It was apparent that the pesky Florida forward was laboring from an injury he sustained in last year, and that was carried into the playoffs, though the extent was not knowns. Now, according to the Panthers, Matthew won't be dressing for the team's season opener against Chicago on October 7.

How many more games he'll miss depend on the approach Tkachuk will take to deal with his stubborn health issue.

Since February, Matthew had been managing a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia. Though persistent, it didn't prevent him from playing, and performing, in the playoffs. But it is clearly at a point where it can no longer be just 'managed.'

It's unfortunate news for Tkachuk to miss out the opportunity to play in the Olympics, which would've elevated Team Canada and USA rivalry games once again. Either way, hockey fan will be incredibly excited for the return of best-on-best international hockey.