Aleksander Barkov Sidelined 6-8 Weeks With Lower-Body Injury

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will miss six to eight weeks with a lower-body injury sustained after going down awkwardly on his left leg during a board battle against the San Jose Sharks. Coach Paul Maurice announced the diagnosis on Tuesday. Barkov avoided surgery, opting for non-surgical rehabilitation, and was placed on long-term injured reserve. He previously missed the entire 2025-26 season following right knee surgery for torn ACL and MCL injuries.