Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has been placed on long-term injured reserve as the team continues to determine the severity of his most recent injury, the Associated Press reported on Saturday, Oct. 3.
Barkov's status means he will miss at least 10 games and 24 days.
Barkov went down awkwardly on his left leg during a board battle in the second period against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, Oct. 1. He got up and immediately went to the dressing room, limping and throwing off his glove in anger. He didn't return to the game.
Barkov had missed the entire 2025-26 season after suffering injuries to his ACL and MCL in his right knee during training camp that required surgery
Aleksander Barkov heads STRAIGHT off the ice after falling awkwardly
on his leg 🤕 Barkov missed all of last season after receiving right knee surgery for a torn ACL and MCL... pic.twitter.com/t4Vh9OGKTe
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 2, 2026
Barkov's injury last season was one of many that derailed the Panthers as they missed the playoffs after winning back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025.
Aleksander Barkov injury update
Barkov has been placed on LTIR, meaning he'll miss at least 10 games and 24 days.
Barkov is key to the Panthers as their captain and a three-time winner of the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward. He missed all of last season, but was able to play in the world championships and help Finland win a gold medal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aleksander Barkov injury update as Panthers captain goes on injured list
