Panthers Captain Barkov Undergoes Knee Surgery, Could Miss Entire Season

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is undergoing surgery for a right knee injury suffered during the team’s training camp practice on Thursday, head coach Paul Maurice announced on Friday. This injury could potentially sideline Barkov for the entire 2025-26 NHL season.

Barkov, 30, was hurt during a non-contact drill at Baptist Health IcePlex. His knee appeared to give out while attempting to maneuver past a teammate, leading to a situation where he required assistance to leave the ice. Maurice said the full extent of the injury would be determined after the surgery.

“We anticipate he will miss the entire season,” Maurice told reporters. “Once the procedure is done, we will have more details.” Barkov’s loss is significant, as he was instrumental in leading the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.

Last season, he recorded 20 goals and 51 assists. During the playoffs, he added six goals and 16 assists, cementing his status as a key player for the Panthers. Barkov is also known for his defensive skills, winning the Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward three times.

Compounding the issue for Florida is that star winger Matthew Tkachuk will also miss the start of the season while recovering from injuries sustained during a tournament last February. Coach Maurice emphasized that the team must adapt without its top players, saying, “We have to learn how to win hockey games without good players.” He also mentioned that while there’s a mentality of ‘next man up,’ there isn’t a player who can replace Barkov’s unique contributions.

With the season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks approaching on October 7, the Panthers face a challenging start. Players like Sam Bennett may need to step up in Barkov’s absence. “There are a lot of really good players on this team, so we certainly have a lot of depth,” Bennett said, acknowledging the need for a collective effort during this tough time.

The Panthers’ situation raises concerns not only for their scoring but also for team chemistry as they look to defend their title. The injury risks impacting Florida’s playoff chances loom large, particularly as they aim to become the first team in decades to win three consecutive championships.