Panthers F Matthew Tkachuk to return vs. Wild

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will end a five-game absence on Tuesday when he takes the ice against the Minnesota Wild in Sunrise, Fla.

Tkachuk reportedly was sidelined due to an illness, however he told reporters on Tuesday after the morning skate that it was not the case.

"I am feeling very good," he said. "I was never really sick, just had to have a little procedure done. I have been good since then, and just had to take a few days to make sure everything was all settled. Ready to get back into the lineup and help."

Florida fared well in his absence, going 3-1-1.

Tkachuk, 26, has notched two assists in two games this season.

A Stanley Cup champion last season, Tkachuk has 581 points (218 goals, 363 assists) in 592 games with the Calgary Flames (2016-22) and Panthers.

--Field Level Media