Panthers Share Aleksander Barkov's Comeback Timeline

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Panthers Share Aleksander Barkov's Comeback Timeline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 7, 2026 10:50 AM ET

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov sustained another left leg injury during Thursday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks.

On Tuesday, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice revealed that Barkov is expected to miss six to eight weeks and that the injury won’t require surgery.

According to Maurice, Florida has settled on a non-surgical rehabilitation plan for Barkov after the forward underwent additional evaluation with team doctors on Monday.

“He’s scheduled to be out 6-8 weeks, non-surgical rehab,” Maurice said. “And that’s our best window. Could be a little less, could be a little more, but we think 6-8 is the right rehab time.”

Sounds like good news for Barkov. 6-8 week recovery. Non surgical rehab is the plan.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 6, 2026

The timetable would keep Barkov out for roughly 20 to 25 games, depending on his ultimate comeback. Florida placed the center on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) after it became clear that his absence would extend beyond 10 games.

Barkov injured his left leg during the second period against San Jose when it buckled underneath him along the boards. He immediately left the ice and did not return.

The injury comes after Barkov missed the entire 2025-26 NHL season with ACL and MCL tears in his other knee after he suffered the injury during the first day of training camp a little over a year ago.

Maurice referenced that previous absence while discussing Barkov’s return timeline, saying, “If he hadn’t been injured last year we would have thought, ‘Gee, six to eight weeks is a long time.’ I think last year was six to eight months, so we’re taking it.”

Aleksander Barkov (16) controls the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in game five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place.Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Barkov had appeared in Florida’s first two games this season before the injury, failing to score a single point and logging 29:47 total time on ice.

The Panthers finished their season-opening road trip on Tuesday beating the Los Angeles Kings but losing fellow forward Brad Marchand to yet another injury.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: