The defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers confirmed Monday, a few hours before Jones’ debut with the team, that Tkachuk is on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury. That means Tkachuk won’t be back for a few weeks — and possibly not until the postseason.

Seth Jones will get to wear No. 3 once again and will do so with the Florida Panthers after Saturday’s blockbuster trade. Sometimes, when players are traded to a new team or sign as a free agent, getting their preferred number is a problem.

Panthers GM Bill Zito fires back at the doubters after the Seth Jones trade that brought the defenseman in from the Blackhawks.