It’s possible the Florida Panthers may have to manage without their team leader, Aleksander Barkov, for the duration of the 2025-26 hockey season due to a torn ACL. Barkov had a surgical procedure after sustaining the injury early during training camp preparations and is anticipated to be sidelined for seven to nine months.
During a Panthers’ practice session on Tuesday, Barkov was engaged in a one-on-one drill against defenseman Niko Mikkola when he suffered the injury. Barkov’s right leg was caught awkwardly underneath him, preventing him from placing any weight on it, and he needed assistance from the training staff to leave the ice.
Following further medical assessments, Barkov underwent surgery on Friday, as confirmed by Panthers coach Paul Maurice to reporters. Later that same day, the Panthers organization issued an official statement providing details on the expected period for Barkov’s recuperation.
“Today, [Barkov] underwent a successful surgical procedure performed by Dr. John Uribe at Baptist Health Doctors Hospital,” the statement declared. “His condition will be continuously reassessed. The anticipated recovery timeframe for these types of injuries is between 7 to 9 months.”
Barkov, widely considered the top two-way center in the NHL, has been instrumental in leading the Panthers to successive Stanley Cup victories. It is clear that his absence will significantly impact the team’s prospects of securing a third consecutive championship in the upcoming season.
Barkov, a three-time recipient of the Selke Trophy recognizing the league’s best defensive forward, consistently excels when matched against the opposition’s premier players, a factor that has greatly benefitted Florida in their recent playoff performances. In the previous season, Barkov achieved an expected goals share of 58.4% and a goal differential of plus-13 during five-on-five play, according to Natural Stat Trick. Given the caliber of competition he faces, these statistics are extraordinary, and only a select few players can match them.
Although Barkov is renowned as a top-tier defensive forward, his offensive contributions are also noteworthy. He has exceeded 70 points in each of the past four seasons, with two instances of surpassing 80 points. Arguably, no player performs as effectively in all areas of the rink as Barkov.
Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk likely out until at least December after undergoing surgery, per GM Bill Zito
Zachary Pereles
The setback with Barkov intensifies the challenges for Florida, as they are already expecting to be without their star winger, Matthew Tkachuk, while he recuperates from a surgical procedure performed during the offseason to address a lower-body issue. With both Barkov and Tkachuk, significant leaders and influential players, absent from the lineup, the Panthers must exert maximum effort to maintain a competitive position until Tkachuk’s eventual return from injury.
If any team possesses the necessary resources to effectively navigate through these two significant absences, it is the Panthers. Their roster still includes Sam Bennett, the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy recipient, as well as Anton Lundell, playing centrally. Furthermore, their wing positions remain strong with the presence of Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe, and Brad Marchand, all slated to return. With Barkov and Tkachuk anticipated to be placed on long-term injured reserve, general manager Bill Zito will have considerable financial flexibility in terms of salary cap management, and he has demonstrated a willingness to make bold moves in the past.
