FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Could the Florida Panthers be getting back two of their star players soon?
At Wednesday morning's practice, both forward Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand were spotting skating with the team.
WATCH BELOW: Panthers hope for good news on injuries
Tkachuk had been skating with a yellow "no-contact" jersey for the last few weeks, but during Wednesday's practice, he sported a light blue jersey.
After practice, head coach Paul Maurice said it would be up to Tkachuk to determine when he feels like he's fit to return to game action.
"I just don't want him coming in before he feels he’s ready. This is a guy who played with a broken collarbone, so he's going in as soon as he possibly can," Maurice said. "We just don't want to influence (his decision). It really has to be his decision when he feels he can (return to games), not only go in, but can he stay in."
Marchand, who has missed the last three games due to a non-disclosed injury, was wearing a yellow jersey during practice.
Tkachuk has yet to play in a game this season after offseason surgery to repair a sports hernia and torn abductor muscle.
WATCH BELOW: Video of Wednesday's practice
The Panthers have been hit by the injuries for the first half of the season, but still amassed a 24-18-3 record and remain in the thick of the playoff race.
Florida is coming off a 4-3 win over Buffalo on Monday. The team has back-to-back road games coming up on Friday against the Carolina Hurricanes and Saturday in Washington against the Capitals.
As the Florida Panthers chase a third Stanley Cup championship this season, WPTV is along for the ride!
We will be highlighting the team with our new show on South Florida's 9 called "Panthers 360".
Hosted by WPTV anchor Mike Trim, watch the show each Wednesday evening and also streaming at 7:30 p.m.
We will take an in-depth look at the season, break down film and connect with the players and special stories off the ice.
Every Monday at 12:15 p.m. on the WPTV YouTube page, Trim will be joined by different analysts to discuss the latest on the team. We want to hear your thoughts, so post your questions and comments while the live interview takes place!
South Florida's 9 is your home for Panthers hockey all season long!
