Panthers May Make Unexpected Announcement Regarding Barkov

Friedman also emphasized the respect Barkov commands across the league:

“Just seeing the reaction…he’s a really popular teammate, obviously, like those guys love him, but he’s also a hugely respected opponent. I agree with you, I think it stinks…Bill Zito’s quotes where it was devastating, and it is devastating because you want to see him get a chance to compete with Finland at the Olympics.”

What Will the Panthers Do Next?

Despite Barkov’s absence, Friedman is confident in Florida’s playoff prospects:

In response to people suggesting the Panthers might have trouble making the playoffs now that Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk are out long term, he noted, “I think those people are nuts. I think this team is more than good enough to make the playoffs, no problem, even without Barkov for the regular season at least…It probably makes Evan Rodrigues even more important.”

He then wondered who would step up or if the Panthers would announce Barkov is out so they can take the cap hit and use it on a replacement.

“One thing about Barkov is that he makes the Panthers a matchup nightmare…he does all their heavy lifting, and then you have to deal with [Sam] Bennett and then you have to deal with that unbelievable third line…that was as much a reason as any that they won the Stanley Cup last year.”

Friedman added, “I’m really interested to see if Blundell becomes the guy who takes a lot of those tough matchups…does Lundell become far more of a focal point?”

The Panthers’ next move regarding Barkov remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he’s out and he’s not coming back for some time. He could miss the playoffs, to which the Panthers might make that official in the coming days or weeks.