Matt Tkachuk...surgery?

[Old_Goat]

Matt, I recommend get the surgery. Get it fixed sooner rather than later. Panthers have enough balance to hang close early part of season, while in recovery.
I'm reminded of Mickey Mantle in his autobiography saying that had he taken proper steps to repair his torn up knee early in his career, from cleats catching a sprinkler head in the outfield of Yankee Stadium, that the residual complications on other parts of his body shortened his career as well as potential accomplishments. It was a valuable wisdom lesson for this young reader at the time.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/pa ... ee-months/

[dhsux]

I mean outside looking in....what's to think about?

But apparently there must be plenty.

Getting later by the day.

[STL fan in MN]

I’m generally not a conspiracy theorist but I wouldn’t be surprised if he delays the surgeries to when the recovery date would be oh…appropriately April 15th. This is the last year of the current CBA before teams have to have a cap compliant playoff roster starting in 2026-27. This is the last season teams can take advantage of the LTIR loophole.

[Old_Goat]

I’m generally not a conspiracy theorist but I wouldn’t be surprised if he delays the surgeries to when the recovery date would be oh…appropriately April 15th. This is the last year of the current CBA before teams have to have a cap compliant playoff roster starting in 2026-27. This is the last season teams can take advantage of the LTIR loophole.

Well, a Three-peat is a a strong incentive, particularly when it works for other organizations. Rules are what they are...but I'm glad they will be changing that. In the meantime...

[MiamiLaw]

I’m generally not a conspiracy theorist but I wouldn’t be surprised if he delays the surgeries to when the recovery date would be oh…appropriately April 15th. This is the last year of the current CBA before teams have to have a cap compliant playoff roster starting in 2026-27. This is the last season teams can take advantage of the LTIR loophole.

I don’t even think it’s a conspiracy. Panthers need every cent of cap possible

[TheHighHat]

There's a little event happening in Italy in February that Tkachuk does not want to miss so it's very doubtful he'll wait too much longer before deciding on surgery. If the recovery timetable is correct, he would not be ready for the start of the playoffs if he gets surgery after the Olympics.

Even though when Bill Zito walks by a pile of sawdust it turns into a pile of gold dust, I'm sure he wants an answer soon.
If Tkachuk does not need surgery, it's highly likely that E-Rod will be traded to get near cap compliant. Samoskevich would take his place on the 2nd line.

[larueskee]

I would want to see him healthy in the playoffs. As much as I hate the Florida team, I would like to see a 3 peat. Having him healthy for that would be my preference.

[thegibby.]

Mantle was oh so good. I have his autograph.