Panthers’ Mikkola, Balinskis, Samoskevich to miss time with injuries

Maurice also noted that forward Mackie Samoskevich will be out for 7-10 days after suffering an apparent l aceration last Thursday night against the Edmonton Oilers.

Mikkola was hurt during Friday night’s matchup with the Calgary Flames . In the third period, after Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues turned the puck over in the offensive zone, Mikkola tried to reach out and get the puck back, but stumbled to the ice after colliding with Calgary’s Ryan Strome. Mikkola was seen grabbing his left knee as he laid on the ice.

Mikkola had to be helped off the ice and didn’t return to the game. Florida ended up losing to the Flames, 4-1.

In 68 games this year, the Finnish blueliner has scored three goals and eight assists for 11 points.

It isn’t quite clear when Balinskis got hurt. Maurice stated that he had a fracture, but didn’t disclose where exactly. The Latvian defender missed a game earlier this month due to a lower-body injury, though it isn’t known if the two injuries are related.

Balinskis has potted five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 54 games this season.

If the timeline for both defensemen holds true, there’s a chance both could be out for the rest of the regular season.

Samoskevich has a good chance of returning to the lineup before the 2025-26 season wraps up. The former Michigan Wolverine has notched six goals and 17 assists for 23 points in 66 appearances.

The Panthers (34-32-3) sit tied for last in the Atlantic Division with the Toronto Maple Leafs, with both teams 14 points back of the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.