Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has been placed on long-term injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained during Thursday's overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks. Barkov was jostling for the puck along the boards when he was pushed by Sharks defenseman Darnell Nurse and fell awkwardly, buckling his left knee. He exited with a limp and did not return.
The team has not disclosed specific details, but sources indicate the injury is not season-ending. Barkov missed the entire 2025-26 season with torn ligaments in his right knee. He went scoreless in Florida's first two games this year.
Florida travels to face the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Source: ESPN NHL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing