Barkov Injured in Ottawa, Out 2-3 Weeks
- Barkov suffered a lower-body injury late in a game against the Ottawa Senators on October 10, 2024.
- Coach Paul Maurice stated that Barkov is expected to miss two to three weeks but may return for the NHL Global Series in Finland.
- The Panthers are facing challenges with key players injured or ill, but remain hopeful for Barkov's quick recovery.
In Canada, Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov sustained a lower-body injury during a game against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The injury occurred with just 70 seconds remaining in the match, which the Panthers lost 3-1. Barkov was attempting to thwart an empty-net goal by Tim Stutzle when he collided with the boards, resulting in him needing assistance to leave the ice. Coach Paul Maurice announced on Saturday that Barkov is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks. Maurice expressed optimism that Barkov could return in time for the Panthers' upcoming NHL Global Series games against the Dallas Stars, scheduled for November 1-2 in Tampere, Finland. The coach indicated that while the recovery timeline may take the full duration, there is a possibility of an earlier return. In addition to Barkov's injury, the Panthers will also be without forward Matthew Tkachuk for their next game against Buffalo due to illness. Meanwhile, defenseman Adam Boqvist is set to return after missing one game, having sustained a facial injury from a puck during the season opener against Boston. The Panthers are navigating a challenging period with key players sidelined, but the team remains hopeful for a quick recovery for Barkov, who is a crucial part of their lineup as they prepare for international competition.