Panthers' Tkachuk out until at least December after surgery

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito announced Wednesday that forward Matthew Tkachuk will be out until at least December as he recovers from offseason surgery, according to team reporter Jameson Olive.

However, Zito noted the timeline isn't firm.

Tkachuk suffered a torn adductor and sports hernia while representing the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. He missed the remainder of the regular season but returned at the start of the playoffs to help Florida win its second consecutive Stanley Cup.

Tkachuk had 57 points in 52 regular-season games before being sidelined. He added 23 points in the playoffs, tied for the most on the Panthers.

The 27-year-old was selected as one of the United States' first six players for the upcoming Olympics. General manager Bill Guerin said in August that he expects Tkachuk to be healthy in time for the tournament in Milano Cortina.

The Panthers opened training camp Wednesday and will play their first preseason game Sunday against the Nashville Predators. Florida's regular season begins Oct. 7.