Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers got big Matthew Tkachuk news Tuesday, and it felt like a switch flipped.

During morning skate, Tkachuk skated in a regular jersey after ditching the no-contact sweater, a clear step toward his season debut. There's already chatter he could return sometime this week if the response stays clean.

Florida has been waiting on this for months, because Tkachuk has not played yet this season after offseason surgery. NHL.com reported he's working back from surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and a sports hernia, with recovery described as month-to-month earlier in the process.

The Florida Panthers won't have Seth Jones on this road trip - but Matthew Tkachuk could make his return this week.

The timing matters for Boston eyes too, because Marchand is now wearing Panthers colors and Florida is hanging around the East race despite a nasty injury list. The Panthers have multiple long-term injuries, and they could certainly use Tkachuk back.

Matthew Tkachuk return boosts Florida Panthers

As a Bruins fan, seeing Marchand's new team get this kind of boost is weirdly stressful and kind of fascinating.

Florida's lineup has had to grind without its usual intimidation factor on the forecheck, and that's the part Tkachuk changes instantly. He does not need perfect chemistry to make a game annoying for opponents.

For the Bruins, the ripple is real even if it's indirect. Boston is clawing for position, and a healthier Panthers team raises the bar in any potential spring matchup, even before you talk about seeding.

Tkachuk also changes special teams math, because his net-front timing and recoveries off the wall create second chances that don't show up as “systems.” Florida has leaned on structure lately, but his game is chaos with purpose.

It's also worth noting the Panthers took another hit on the blue line, with Seth Jones expected out a couple of weeks, so getting Tkachuk back could balance that loss emotionally and on the scoreboard.