
Panthers captain Barkov placed on LTIR after new lower-body injury
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) on Saturday following a lower-body injury sustained during a 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. The 31-year-old center, who missed the entire 2025-26 season recovering from right knee surgery, suffered the new injury in his second game of the current season. While the exact diagnosis is pending, NHL rules require him to miss at least 10 games and 24 days. Coach Paul Maurice emphasized that the injury is unrelated to Barkov's previous ACL and MCL issues and expressed optimism that it is not season-ending. The Panthers have adjusted their lineup by moving Lars Eller to the top line and recalling players from the AHL to manage the absence and salary cap implications.










