Awful news for Barkov and Panthers, worse than anyone anticipated

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov left Thursday’s practice in obvious pain with an apparent right leg injury. He needed help getting off the ice and did not return to the skate.

Head coach Paul Maurice wanted to stay positive when he commented after practice that his star forward would be evaluated and more would be known on Friday.

The news today is however grim as insider Elliotte Friedman reports that, while we will get to know “ more in the next 24-48 hours, but Panthers are bracing for the possibility their captain, Aleksander Barkov, could be lost for the season.”

He adds: “Would be brutal, no one wants to see that…but, unfortunately, was a bad injury.”

Moments later in a press conference, Maurice confirmed how bad it was, revealing that Barkov is currently undergoing surgery for a right knee injury.

Later on Friday, the Panthers shared an official update on Barkov, saying he will miss seven to nine months of action due to a serious right knee injury.

This is a terrible blow for Florida, who land in an interesting spot on how to proceed attempting to fill that impossible.

Yesterday’s practice was the first official one 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.

It may be a combination that will be more seriously considered for the season with Barkov out long-term.

The show must however go on. The Panthers continue their preseason schedule on Monday night when they will host the Carolina Hurricanes.