Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov out vs. Sharks

Barkov left Monday night’s 7-1 blowout over the Tampa Bay Lightning after blocking a shot midway through the second period. He was considered day-to-day, and Maurice noted that Barkov would be a game-time decision come Thursday. 

The Tampere, Finland native just represented the Panthers alongside Matthew Tkachuk at the 2023 NHL All-Star weekend in Sunrise, Fla. He replaced injured Toronto Maple Leafs Auston Matthews and participated in his second All-Star appearance. Barkov has registered 47 points (14 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games, averages 1.09 points per game and ranks second on the Panthers in points. He has also notched 21 power-play points on the season. Last season Barkov recorded a career-high of 39 goals and registered 88 points in 67 games. He signed a massive eight-year, $80 million extension with the Panthers in October 2021; the contract holds an average annual value of $10 million.

Barkov won the Frank J. Selke Trophy in the 2020-21 campaign for displaying the best defensive ability for a forward league-wide and the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2018-19 for displaying the best sportsmanship in the National Hockey League.