The Florida Panthers face a significant setback as team captain Aleksander Barkov may be sidelined for the entire regular season due to a knee injury sustained during a recent practice session. Coach Paul Maurice confirmed Barkov’s injury, with the player undergoing surgery following the incident.
Barkov’s absence is expected to last several months, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics in February. The Panthers are bracing for the impact of losing their key player, who led the team in assists last season and played a crucial role in their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories.
Having been a consistent presence in the Panthers’ lineup for over 86% of games in his 12-year NHL career, Barkov’s potential season-long absence presents a new challenge for the team. The injury adds to the Panthers’ concerns as forward Matthew Tkachuk is also sidelined following surgery for a torn adductor muscle.
While Tkachuk’s return timeline remains uncertain, the Panthers must adjust to the absence of both key players as they prepare for the upcoming season. Coach Maurice emphasized the team’s need to adapt and perform despite the setbacks, maintaining a focus on winning games and meeting challenges head-on.
In a separate development, Dallas Stars’ captain Jamie Benn is set to undergo surgery for a collapsed lung, as announced by general manager Jim Nill. Benn, a veteran player entering his 17th NHL season, is expected to make a full recovery and will be re-evaluated in approximately four weeks.