Barkov out 6-8 weeks for Panthers with lower-body injury

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will miss 6-8 weeks with a lower-body injury sustained during a 4-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks on October 1. The 31-year-old was hurt in just his second game back after missing the entire 2024-25 season following MCL and ACL surgery on his right knee. Coach Paul Maurice confirmed Saturday that Barkov has been placed on long-term injured reserve and will not require surgery this time.