Aleksander Barkov's Return Has the Cup-Contending Florida Panthers Smiling Entering the Season
Barkov missed all of last season after knee surgery, and Florida again enters the opener among the NHL favorites, teammates and coaches said.
- On Wednesday, Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov returns to the lineup after missing the entire 2025 season due to an ACL and MCL tear sustained 20 minutes into training camp.
- Barkov's season-long absence devastated the Panthers' performance; Florida won only 17 road games and missed the playoffs entirely, demonstrating his outsized impact on team success.
- Over his most recent 10 seasons, Barkov recorded 722 points, 485 hits, and 463 blocked shots—the only NHL player reaching those totals across all three categories simultaneously.
- Coach Paul Maurice said, "I missed being able to call his name," while forward Aaron Ekblad expressed, "I'm so excited" to play with Barkov again.
- Barkov's year away has transformed his perspective; he now says, "You just have to enjoy every single chance you get to play hockey," appearing visibly cheerier than before.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The Toronto Star
Aleksander Barkov’s return has the Cup-contending Florida Panthers smiling entering the season
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The Florida Panthers have noticed a change in Aleksander Barkov, a clear indicator that he is not the same since getting hurt a year ago and having to miss last season.
Post Register
Aleksander Barkov's return has the Cup-contending Florida Panthers smiling entering the season
Aleksander Barkov says not being able to play for the Florida Panthers last season has given him a new perspective. And his teammates say they even see him smiling more. Florida's captain missed the entirety of last season with a…
Gameday 1: Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes
The Florida Panthers are in Raleigh to open the 2026-27 regular season against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes. The team is healthy again (except for Jonah Gadjovich), captain Aleskander Barkov is back after working the rust off with a successful turn at the World Championship, prize acquisition Brady Tkachuk will play his first game as a Cat, and returning goalkeeper Jacob Markstrom will be between the pipes instead…
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