Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov will miss six-to-eight weeks with a lower-body injury and will rehab without undergoing surgery, head coach Paul Maurice confirmed Tuesday, according to team reporter Jameson Olive.
"That's our best window. Could be a little less, could be a little more," Maurice said.
The Panthers placed Barkov on long-term injured reserve after he fell awkwardly on his left leg against the San Jose Sharks. He exited Thursday's game and didn't return.
Aleksander Barkov immediately leaves the ice in pain after an awkward fall https://t.co/Anli2nv5LQ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 2, 2026
The earliest Barkov can be activated off LTIR is Oct. 27 against the Winnipeg Jets. His timeline puts his return in mid-to-late November.
Barkov missed all of last season with a torn right ACL and MCL. The Panthers didn't make the playoffs in his absence after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Florida gets just under $4 million in cap space by placing Barkov on LTIR. The Panthers would gain the full $10 million corresponding to his cap hit if he were designated as out for the entire season, including the playoffs.
Barkov, a three-time Selke Trophy winner, tallied 20 goals and 71 points in 67 games in 2024-25.
The Panthers are 1-0-2 heading into Tuesday night's matchup with the Los Angeles Kings.
