Aleksander Barkov injury update as Panthers await answer on captain

Barkov injured his left leg Oct. 1, during a game against the San Jose Sharks . He was playing in his second NHL regular-season game since missing all of the 2025-26 season after having ACL surgery on his right knee.

The Panthers originally hoped to have an answer on Oct. 2, but the team was on the road and the center went to see a doctor on Monday, Oct. 5 after returning home.

"He's in with the doctors today, and we hope to have a more solid answer for you tomorrow," Coach Paul Maurice told reporters.