There is some rough injury news surrounding Matthew Tkachuk.

The Florida Panthers announced on Monday that Tkachuk will miss the rest of the regular season due to a groin injury. Panthers general manager Bill Zito told reporters the team hopes to get Tkachuk back for the playoffs.

“Matthew is going to be out for an extended period of time, and we hope to get him back for the playoffs,” Zito said.

Tkachuk represented the United States in the 4 Nations Face-Off exhibition tournament that took place when the NHL’s All-Star Game would typically have been held. He and brother Brady Tkachuk were stars for the US team who literally fought for the country during games. But Matthew got hurt during the event. He missed the US’ pool play game against Sweden and then only played 6:47 of the team’s championship game loss to Canada.

Tkachuk has missed all of Florida’s games since the 4 Nations Face-Off ended and the NHL regular season resumed. He was placed on long-term injured reserve on Sunday.

Tkachuk, 27, has 57 points in 52 games this season. He helped the Panthers win the Stanley Cup last season in what was just his second season with the team.

Tkachuk was one of four Panthers players who participated in the 4 Nations event, though he got the worst end of the injury situation.

Matthew Tkachuk accused 2 Canadian players of foul play, publicly criticized the tournament’s officiating

March 5, 2025 – The 4 Nations Face-Off has been rocked by controversy after Matthew Tkachuk publicly criticized the tournament’s officiating and accused two Canadian players of foul play following Team USA’s heated loss to Canada.

Tkachuk, known for his fiery competitiveness, did not hold back in his post-game comments, suggesting that officiating inconsistencies and dirty tactics played a role in Team USA’s defeat.

Tkachuk Calls Out Officiating and Canadian Players

The American forward was visibly frustrated as he addressed reporters. Tkachuk specifically called out two unnamed Canadian players, accusing them of dangerous and illegal plays that went unpunished by the referees.

“Look, we came in here expecting a tough game, but when guys are getting away with cheap shots and the refs aren’t calling it, that’s a problem,” Tkachuk said. “There were at least two blatant, dirty plays that should have been penalties—one of them was straight-up dangerous. But I guess if you’re wearing red and white, you get away with it.”

Growing Frustration with 4 Nations Officiating

Tkachuk’s remarks are the latest in a growing list of criticisms aimed at the officiating standards in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Several players and analysts have pointed out inconsistent calls and questionable non-calls, particularly in high-profile matchups.

“We’ve seen this before in this tournament,” Tkachuk continued. “If we’re going to compete at the highest level, we need officiating that’s fair across the board. This isn’t just about one game—it’s about the integrity of the tournament.”

His comments echo similar frustrations voiced by Team USA earlier in the tournament, with head coach John Hynes also questioning the officiating in previous games.

Panthers Star Matthew Tkachuk Out for Season Due to 4 Nations Face-Off Injury

Tkachuk injured his groin in the 4 Nations Face-Off and has missed four games since as a result.

Florida Panthers star forward Matthew Tkachuk, who injured his groin in the 4 Nations Face-Off during the All-Star break, will miss the rest of the regular season, the team announced on Monday.

“Matthew’s going to be out for an extended period of time. We hope to get him back for the playoffs,” Panthers general manager Bill Zito said, per ESPN.

The 27-year-old Tkachuk was placed on long-term injured reserve on Sunday. Tkachuk is second on the team with 57 points through 52 games this season. He’s recorded 22 goals and 35 assists.

The Panthers are currently second in the East with 77 points. They sit one point behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for the conference’s top-seed.

But the Tkachuk injury will undoubtedly dampen the chances of the Panthers repeating as Stanley Cup champions.