Matthew Tkachuk has taken the next step to his return from injury.

With the regular season ending on April 15, the Panthers hope that Tkachuk will be able to return to the lineup during the first round of the playoffs, which should begin a few days later. “That’s what we’re shooting for, depending on when those games get scheduled,” Maurice said.

The Florida Panthers are locked in a tight three-way race for the Atlantic Division title alongside the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning. With less than 10 games remaining for each team, the Panthers currently sit in third place—tied on points with the Lightning and trailing the Maple Leafs by three.