Panthers' Aleksander Barkov Helped Off Ice; Team Fears The Worst
The Florida Panthers were hit with a troubling development at training camp as captain Aleksander Barkov went down with a right leg injury on Thursday.
The 30-year-old center remained on the ice for several minutes before being helped off by trainers, putting almost no weight on his leg.
Here's video of Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov going down today at practice... https://t.co/g32uLiJzjk pic.twitter.com/QIAamOdqzd
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) September 25, 2025
Head coach Paul Maurice told reporters he would have more information after further testing, but multiple reports indicate there’s internal concern within the Panthers that Barkov’s injury could involve ACL damage, according to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects.
If confirmed, it would be a devastating blow for the reigning back-to-back Stanley Cup champions. The team is already preparing to begin the season without Matthew Tkachuk, who underwent offseason surgery for a torn adductor and sports hernia and isn’t expected back until December.
Barkov, a three-time Selke Trophy winner, is coming off another stellar season in which he tallied 71 points (20 goals, 51 assists) across 67 games and added 22 points in 23 playoff contests during Florida’s Cup run.
Panthers still awaiting clarity on Aleksander Barkov’s injury, but sounds like there’s internal concern it could involve his ACL.
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) September 25, 2025
Hope remains it’s not as serious as feared.
The Panthers are scheduled to open the regular season on Oct. 7 against the Chicago Blackhawks, but the health of their captain is now the team’s primary concern.
Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
