The Florida Panthers announced Friday that captain Aleksander Barkov underwent knee surgery and faces a seven-to-nine month recovery timeline.
The extensive recovery period means Barkov will miss the Olympics in February. He could be sidelined for the entire regular season.
Here’s the practice injury that led to the surgery:
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
Barkov posted 71 points in 67 games last season while capturing his second consecutive Selke Trophy as the league’s top defensive forward. It was his third career Selke Trophy.
The 29-year-old center added six goals and 16 assists in 23 playoff games. He captained Florida to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
Florida faces a significant test without their franchise cornerstone. Few teams are better positioned to handle losing a number one center, though.
Sam Bennett, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, projects to anchor the top line. Anton Lundell, the emerging 23-year-old, will likely center the second unit.
The Panthers’ center depth takes another hit with Tomas Nosek also expected to miss several months with a knee injury.
Florida begins the season without another key piece. Matthew Tkachuk remains sidelined until at least December while recovering from offseason surgery.
The heart-and-soul winger’s absence compounds the Panthers’ early-season challenges as they pursue a third straight championship.
