Aleksander Barkov leaves Panthers’ practice in visible pain!

Bad news for the defending Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers, who are entering the 2025-26 season with the desire to three-peat. However, the journey could have to start off without a key member of the roster as captain Aleksander Barkov left Thursday’s practice in obvious pain with an apparent right leg injury.

According to team insider David Dwork, Barkov went down with an apparent lower-body injury during today’s practice in Fort Lauderdale. He needed help getting off the ice and did not return to the skate.

Today was the first official practice for many of Florida’s NHL regulars, including Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Sergei Bobrovsky, Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand.

Upon Barkov’s sudden departure, young prospect Kai Schwindt took his spot on a line with Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe.

After practice, when head coach Paul Maurice met with reporters, he only shared this update on his captain:

“He’ll get looked at today,” Maurice said. “I’ll have a better answer for you tomorrow.”

In the meantime, the Panthers continue their preseason schedule on Monday night when they will host the Carolina Hurricanes.