Tkachuk fully healthy after breaking sternum in final

Florida Panthers superstar Matthew Tkachuk says he's completely recovered from a broken sternum sustained during the Stanley Cup Final in June.

"I am feeling great," Tkachuk told NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "It's been a very short summer, the way I want it to be every year going forward. The worst timing for the injury. … I had the summer to get ready. I definitely improved on some things. The injury allowed me to work on some parts of fitness and conditioning, and that is in the best form right now possible, and I just improved on some strength, which was my goal."

Tkachuk was injured by a hit from Vegas Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar in Game 3. Tkachuk scored later in the contest and labored through the injury in Game 4 but was unable to suit up for the series finale.

The Hart Trophy finalist revealed after the series that his brother Brady had to help him get dressed and bring him to the rink for Game 4. The elder Tkachuk said he had no regrets trying to gut it out in pursuit of a championship and is clear of any long-term ramifications from the injury.

Tkachuk led the Panthers with 109 regular-season points and was the club's offensive catalyst during its unlikely run to the final. The 25-year-old managed 11 goals - including four game-winners - and 13 assists in 20 playoff contests.