- Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov had to be helped off the ice at practice.
- Coach Paul Maurice said he expected to have a better answer about Barkov on Friday.
- Barkov has won the Selke Trophy as top defensive forward three times, including the last two seasons.
The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers are looking at another potential injury to a key player after captain Aleksander Barkov had to be helped off the ice at practice.
Barkov seemed to favor his right leg as trainers assisted him on Thursday, Sept. 25.
There was no immediate word on his condition.
‘It will get looked at today,’ coach Paul Maurice told reporters after practice. ‘I will have a better answer for you tomorrow.’
Depending on the severity of the injury, it complicates the Panthers’ start as they try to win a third consecutive Stanley Cup title. Forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Tomas Nosek are out after offseason surgery, with Tkachuk expected back ‘December-ish’ and Nosek expected to miss months.
Barkov was the second NHL captain on Thursday to have injury issues.
The Dallas Stars announced that Jamie Benn suffered a collapsed lung during Tuesday’s preseason game, needed surgery and would be re-evaluated in four weeks.
Aleksander Barkov injury update
The Panthers are waiting on test results after captain Aleksander Barkov left practice with assistance. Coach Paul Maurice said he expected to have an answer about the injury on Friday, Sept. 26.
Aleksander Barkov stats
Barkov has won the Selke Trophy three times as the NHL’s top defensive forward, including the last two seasons. He centers the Panthers’ top line and has been captain since the 2018-19 season.
He ranked second on the Panthers in the 2024-25 regular season with 71 points, despite missing 15 games. He had another 22 points in 23 games in the playoffs to help the Panthers win a second consecutive title.