The Florida Panthers have placed centre Aleksander Barkov on long‑term injured reserve after he missed the entire 2025‑26 NHL season. The injury, a left‑leg problem, will keep the captain sidelined for at least the next ten games.
Barkov, who has served as the Panthers’ captain for several seasons, has been a central figure in the team’s offensive and defensive play. His absence has come at a time when the club is looking to maintain its competitive edge in the Atlantic Division.
The Panthers’ medical staff confirmed that the injury is serious enough to warrant a long‑term designation, meaning Barkov will not return for the remainder of the current season’s schedule. The team will need to adjust its lineup and strategy to compensate for his absence.
While the exact nature of the injury was not disclosed, the decision to place Barkov on injured reserve underscores the severity of the left‑leg issue and the importance of giving him adequate time to recover before he can rejoin the squad.
<small>Source: ESPN — read the original story there.</small>
