Florida Panthers fans are holding their breath as uncertainty swirls around the status of star winger Matthew Tkachuk heading into the 2025-26 NHL season.

Fresh off his second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, Tkachuk’s summer has been a whirlwind of celebration and personal milestones, including a highly publicized wedding.

However, beneath the surface of these joyous occasions lies a growing concern: Tkachuk has yet to undergo the much-anticipated shoulder surgery needed to repair injuries sustained last season.

Reports indicate that the procedure was postponed to accommodate his wedding, leaving his return date shrouded in doubt and raising pressing questions about how long the Panthers will be without their top forward.

With the Atlantic Division race expected to be fiercer than ever, all eyes are on Florida as they anxiously await updates on their superstar’s recovery and the potential impact his absence could have on the team’s championship aspirations.

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. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Matthew Tkachuk may have his 2025-26 season heavily delayed after an Evan Renaerts report revealed he has yet to undergo surgery, leaving his timeline for a return a question mark.

Coming off another very successful season that saw him win his second straight Stanley Cup, Matthew Tkachuk is celebrating in the sunny confines of Florida, though it’s not all perfect.

Currently dealing with a shoulder injury, there have been reports that Tkachuk might not be ready until late into the year, and it’s a genuine concern that the Panthers might not be able to weather the storm without him.

However, a new report shows that Tkachuk has yet to undergo surgery, and that his recent nuptials may have had a big part in the delay.

Delayed Surgery Could Sideline Tkachuk to Start the 2025-26 NHL Season

Per Evan Renaerts, host of Two Guys & Hockey Talk, Tkachuk delayed his surgery due to his wedding on July 19th and he won’t miss the whole season; but a good chunk of time:

Matthew Tkachuk has not yet undergone the surgery that was planned to repair injuries he suffered last season.

Speculation is that his surgery likely was delayed given recent marriage on July 19th. As was with Evander Kane last year, this late summer surgery means he will miss significant time this coming season on LTIR, however not a full season.

That news is huge for teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning, as they are going to be fighting tooth and nail with the Panthers for Atlantic Division supremacy, and Tkachuk being out is a great boost to that goal.

Word previous was that Tkachuk was going to be out until after the Christmas break, but this report seems to potentially extend that absence, and with the Olympics on the horizon this season, he would more than likely prefer to be there than not.

Panthers Star Prioritized Personal Milestone Before Addressing Injury

But honestly, who can blame Tkachuk for delaying his surgery until after his wedding?

Surely he’s hurting, but that wouldn’t concern him and it doesn’t really affect him if he decided to get the surgery in a couple of weeks, the timeline really doesn’t change much.

It comes on the heels of him enjoying the Stanley Cup, and it seems like the wedding was a rousing success.

The couple also had their ceremony video posted on social media:

It’s not unusual to see NHL stars getting hitched in the summer, and we can add Tkachuk to the list.

So while congratulations are in order for the nuptials, the Panthers are going to be biting their claws wondering when they’ll get him back again.