Matthew Tkachuk to miss months after surgery; Panthers open season Oct. 7.

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk is expected to miss time until December after undergoing surgery in August to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia. General manager Bill Zito said the recovery timeline is uncertain but December is the current estimate. Tkachuk, who played a key role in the team's Stanley Cup victory, is aiming to return in time for the Milan-Cortina Olympics in February. The Panthers are set to open the regular season on October 7 against the Chicago Blackhawks. Another forward, Tomas Nosek, is also out for an undisclosed period due to an offseason injury.