Significant Update For Aleksander Barkov & Panthers

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov raises the Stanley Cup

For the first time in the 2025-26 season, Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has taken the ice with his teammates for practice. In a non-contact jersey, yes, but this is a huge stepping stone for Barkov, who hopes to return before the end of the season.

Looks like he's sticking around 👍 https://t.co/xb7g49Uzxp
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) March 10, 2026

It's too little, too late for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, however, who currently sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, and the playoffs are a pipe dream, as they sit 11 points out. The Cats are given just a 1.5% chance of making the dance, per MoneyPuck.

But for Barkov, arguably the best two-way center in hockey, it would go a long way to getting his mindset in the right place for next fall if he could at least get in some action before this season is out.

Barkov has been out since tearing ACL & MCL on first day of camp

In a brutal start to training camp back in September, Barkov suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee in the very first practice. He was expected to be out for the entire season, but he began doing some light skating on his own as soon as this past December. Today's appearance on the ice at practice with teammates is a huge step in the right direction.

Barkov has 10 consecutive 20-goal seasons, and in 804 games over 12 seasons with Florida, he has 286 goals and 782 points, with a plus/minus rating of +124.

In other, more concerning Panthers injury news, Brad Marchand is seeing a doctor today to determine if he needs surgery, in which case he'll be done for the season.