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 in overtime against Canada on Thursday.
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.
