The Florida Panthers got an early scare at training camp on Thursday when captain Aleksander Barkov had to be helped off the ice with an apparent right-leg injury.
Head coach Paul Maurice confirmed the news after practice but said the team won’t know the full severity until Friday. UPDATE: Barkov will undego immediate surgery on his right knee. He is out for the 2025-26 season.
“.It’s beyond our control,” Maurice told reporters. “We’ve got to learn to win hockey games without good players.
If that’s the test in front of us, then that’s what we’ll do. We’ll prepare, we’ll compete, and we’ll be ready no matter who’s in or out.”
Panthers Already Missing Tkachuk
The timing couldn’t be worse for the defending back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. Florida is already without star winger Matthew Tkachuk, who isn’t expected back until at least December after offseason surgery.
Now the possibility of losing Barkov—even short term—would put the Panthers’ forward depth under immediate pressure.
Barkov is coming off his fifth straight point-per-game season (71 points in 67 games) and recently collected his third Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward. He’s the backbone of Florida’s two-way game.
What Changes If Barkov Misses Time?
If Barkov is sidelined, Anton Lundell becomes the likely choice to step up into a top-six center role. Eetu Luostarinen could also slide back to center, creating more flexibility down the middle.
That would leave youngsters like Mackie Samoskevich with a bigger role, possibly anchoring the third line.
The Panthers also have four players in camp on PTOs, including Tyler Motte and Noah Gregor, who might earn contracts if management feels extra insurance is needed.
Depth players such as Mackenzie Entwistle or Luke Kunin could also be considered for opening-night roster spots.
Waiting on Answers
For now, the organization—and its fans—can only wait. Maurice said an update on Barkov’s status is expected Friday. Until then, the hope is that this is nothing more than a short-term setback and not a serious injury like an ACL tear.
If Barkov and Tkachuk are both out to start the season, Florida’s depth will be tested from Day 1. But if there’s one message coming from Maurice, it’s that the Panthers can’t afford to feel sorry for themselves.
“We’ve got to win hockey games. That’s all there is to it,” Maurice said.
Bottom Line: Early Adversity for Panthers
The Panthers enter camp chasing a third straight Stanley Cup, but they may have to do it without two of their biggest stars in October. For now, all eyes are on Friday’s update about Barkov.
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