Panthers get a huge return on Sunday.

The Florida Panthers may have just powered up.

On Sunday, for the first time all season, the Panthers were graced with the presence of star forward Matthew Tkachuk when he hit the ice with his teammates for practice. It marked a huge return for the Florida Panthers and it comes at a great time with the Panthers just barely hanging on to a spot in the top half of the National Hockey League's Atlantic Division, with the Buffalo Sabres, winners of 8 straight, nipping at their heels.

Although Tkachuk was back out on the ice with his teammates it was clear that he is still not yet ready to make his return just yet. Tkachuk was on the ice but was wearing a yellow jersey which means that he hasn't been cleared for contact just yet.

You can see video of Tkachuk moving on the ice just below:

Tkachuk has been dealing with a serious injury since the 2024-25 season, an injury he is believed to have suffered in the Final of the Four Nations Face-Off which was held earlier this year. As a result he was limited to just 52 regular season games last year and has yet to appear in a single game for the Panthers this season despite the team playing nearly half the season with 37 games already under their belts.

Tkachuk is of course a huge part of what the Panthers do offensively, not only in terms of skill but in terms of his play style as well. Tkachuk has made a reputation for himself with his ability to get under the skin of opposing players, and has continued to do so all while averaging well over a point per game since joining the Florida Panthers.

No word yet on when he might shed the no contact jersey.

Although Tkachuk can't hit his teammates and they can't hit him, it sounds like he hasn't let that stop him from giving them a little verbal beatdown in his return to the ice. Panthers teammate Carter Verhaeghe made it clear that when it comes to the trash talk, Tkachuk hasn't lost a step.

“The chirps are in full form," said Verhaeghe of Tkachuk's return. "He’s stirring the pot already.”