Matthew Tkachuk a late scratch for the Florida Panthers

In a late-breaking update, the Florida Panthers have made an unexpected decision to scratch their star forward Matthew Tkachuk as they get set to play the Montreal Canadiens.

Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk out for Panthers tonight.
Verhaeghe is week to week, team confident will be ready for playoffs. Tkachuk is ill.
#FlaPanthers at Montreal tonight, TV
@BallySportsFL

Matthew Tkachuk won't be playing due to illness, while forward Carter Verhaeghe is sidelined with an undisclosed injury. Verhaeghe sustained the injury during Monday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Verhaeghe, who has been in good form recently with five points in his last six games, has amassed 33 goals and 38 assists in 75 games this season.

The Panthers, coming off a loss to the Maple Leafs on Monday, are currently just four points ahead of Toronto for second place in the Atlantic Division, with the Maple Leafs also having a game in hand.

Previously on PuckReporter

NCAA star free agent Jaxon Nelson signs with the Boston Bruins

Top prospect Jimmy Snuggerud makes a decision on his NHL future

Sheldon Keefe confirms return dates for Morgan Rielly and Mitch Marner

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2 AVRIL \| 68 ANSWERS Matthew Tkachuk a late scratch for the Florida Panthers Do you think the Florida Panthers are doing the right thing in scratching Matthew Tkachuk for precautionary reasons?
Yes	52	76.5 %
No	16	23.5 %
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