Panthers GM: We hope to get Tkachuk back for playoffs

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito is hopeful injured star Matthew Tkachuk will be available for the postseason.

"Matthew's going to be out for an extended period of time," the executive said Monday, according to team reporter Jameson Olive. "We hope to get him back for the playoffs."

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said last week that Tkachuk "is playing for us this year," indicating the issue isn't season-ending.

Tkachuk got hurt in the United States' round-robin win over Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off. He missed the next game against Sweden and then played under seven minutes in the championship game defeat to the Canadians.

He's missed all three contests Florida has played since the break.

Tkachuk ranks second on the club in goals (22), assists (35), and points in 52 outings this season.

The Panthers entered Monday sitting second in the Atlantic Division with a 37-21-3 record.