The Florida Panthers might probably be with out captain Aleksander Barkov for your entire 2025-26 season after he suffered a torn ACL. Barkov underwent surgical procedure after struggling the harm within the early levels of coaching camp and is anticipated to overlook seven to 9 months.
Throughout Panthers’ apply Tuesday, Barkov was working one-on-one in opposition to defenseman Niko Mikkola when he went down awkwardly. Barkov’s proper leg bought bent beneath him, and he was unable to place any weight on it as he was helped off the ice by members of the coaching employees.
After additional analysis, Barkov underwent surgical procedure Friday, Panthers coach Paul Maurice advised reporters. Later that day, a press launch from the Panthers group confirmed an anticipated timeline for Barkov’s return.
“Right now, [Barkov] underwent profitable surgical procedure by Dr. John Uribe at Baptist Well being Docs Hospital,” the discharge learn. “He might be re-evaluated on an ongoing foundation. The anticipated restoration timeline for these accidents is 7 to 9 months.”
Barkov, arguably the very best two-way heart within the NHL, has led the Panthers to consecutive Stanley Cup championships. It could be an understatement to say that his absence hurts the workforce’s probabilities of a three-peat this upcoming season.
A 3-time Selke Trophy winner as the very best defensive ahead within the league, Barkov routinely thrives in opposition to the opponents’ finest gamers, one thing that has been a significant benefit for Florida in its previous few playoff runs. Final season, Barkov posted an anticipated targets share of 58.4% and a aim differential of plus-13 at five-on-five, per Pure Stat Trick. Contemplating the standard of competitors, these numbers are absurd, and the listing of gamers who might match them is kind of small.
Whereas Barkov makes his hay as an elite defensive ahead, he would not lack for offense both. He is eclipsed 70 factors in every of the final 4 seasons, and Barkov has surpassed 80 factors twice. There’s merely nobody higher at taking part in 200-foot hockey than Barkov.
Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk seemingly out till at the very least December after present process surgical procedure, per GM Invoice Zito
Zachary Pereles
The lack of Barkov is a double whammy for Florida, which is already going to be with out star winger Matthew Tkachuk as he recovers from offseason surgical procedure to restore a lower-body harm. With out Barkov and Tkachuk, two captains and affect gamers on the ice, the Panthers must do all they’ll to remain afloat till the latter returns from harm.
If any workforce has the depth to beat these two losses, it is the Panthers. They nonetheless have 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett and Anton Lundell down the center. Plus, the wings are nonetheless in good condition with Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe and Brad Marchand all returning there. Assuming Barkov and Tkachuk might be positioned on long-term injured reserve, normal supervisor Invoice Zito could have numerous wage cap room with which to maneuver as effectively, and he is by no means shied away from large swings prior to now.
