Aleksander Barkov injury update as Panthers captain goes on injured list

Barkov went down awkwardly on his left leg during a board battle in the second period against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, Oct. 1. He got up and immediately went to the dressing room, limping and throwing off his glove in anger. He didn't return to the game.

Barkov's injury last season was one of many that derailed the Panthers as they missed the playoffs after winning back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025.

Barkov has been placed on LTIR, meaning he'll miss at least 10 games and 24 days.