Forward Matthew Tkachuk, who was badly injured in the last playoffs, will be able to fully participate in the Florida Panthers’ training camp.
The 25-year-old hockey player said this on Tuesday, nine days before National Hockey League players returned to work.
“I feel great,” said the man, whose comments were reported on the Bettman Circuit website. It was a very short summer that I want to relive every year from now on.”
Tkachuk suffered a broken sternum in the first period of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights. He played the fourth game, but was unable to play the fifth and final duel. The “Golden Knights” won 9 to 3 and became champions for the 2022-2023 season.
“It was the worst time to be injured but I didn’t have to miss many months and many games. I had the summer to recover. I have improved some things. The injury allowed me to work on some aspects of my fitness and conditioning.”
Tkachuk played his first season with the Panthers last year after being acquired in a monster trade from the Calgary Flames. He had the best regular season of his career with 40 goals and 69 assists for 109 points in 79 games. He also collected 24 points in 20 playoff games.