With the regular season ending on April 15, the Panthers hope that Tkachuk will be able to return to the lineup during the first round of the playoffs, which should begin a few days later. “That’s what we’re shooting for, depending on when those games get scheduled,” Maurice said.

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk skated before practice Monday for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury during last month's 4 Nations Face-Off. Tkachuk has missed 16 games and is on long-term injured reserve.

Because general manager Bill Zito used the available cap space taken up by Tkachuk at the NHL trade deadline, the Panthers star won’t be eligible to return until at least Game 1 of the playoffs. He hasn't appeared in a game for Florida since Feb. 8.