Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk: Facing one-week absence

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Tkachuk (illness) is expected to be sidelined for at least a week with a potential return date of Oct. 22 versus Minnesota, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports.

Tkachuk's absence is a huge blow for the Panthers, with the 26-year-old winger already having missed one game due to illness. Prior to falling ill, the Arizona native managed two assists in the opening two contests but had failed to find the back of the net despite seven shots on goal. Eetu Luostarinen will likely continue to see top-line minutes without Tkachuk in the lineup -- though Carter Verhaeghe could also be in contention to move up the depth chart. Given the length of Tkachuk's expected absence, don't be surprised to see him land on injured reserve in the next few days.