Aleksander Barkov Awaits Official Injury Update From Panthers Doctors

Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov visited doctors on Oct. 5 to evaluate a left leg injury suffered on Oct. 1 against the Sharks. Placed on long-term injured reserve on Oct. 2, Barkov must miss at least 10 games and 24 days. Head coach Paul Maurice expects a formal update on Tuesday and dismissed reports suggesting a 10-to-12-week absence. Barkov was appearing in just his second game after missing the entire 2025-26 season following right knee ACL surgery.