Aleksander Barkov Ready to Lead Florida Panthers After Missing Last Season

Barkov overcomes serious knee injury

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is ready for training camp after missing all of last season with a major knee injury. Barkov tore the ACL and MCL in his right knee on Sept. 25, 2025, during the very first practice of training camp. He had surgery the next day and spent months recovering.

By the time Barkov was healthy enough to play, Florida was already out of the playoff hunt. He finally returned to action in May, playing for Finland in an exhibition game against Switzerland. He fell early in the game but got right back up.

"Very good news," Barkov said about realizing his knee was fully healed. He went on to help Finland win the IIHF world championship gold medal with a 1-0 win over Switzerland.

Panthers look to chase another title

Now, Barkov is back in Florida for training camp. Despite missing the playoffs last year, sportsbooks have the Panthers as favorites to win what would be their third Stanley Cup in four years. The team won the title in both 2024 and 2025.

The roster has plenty of familiar faces returning, including Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Aaron Ekblad. The Panthers also added Brady Tkachuk and brought back defenseman Radko Gudas. With Sergei Bobrovsky now playing in Toronto, Jacob Markstrom takes over as the starting goaltender.

Barkov noted that his teammates look determined to show their best. He said that no one is on their own, and everyone can lead in their own way.

What it means for the next game

Carolina Hurricanes at Florida Panthers (NHL, Sun, 20 Sep): Florida Panthers win 40%, Carolina Hurricanes win 60%; projected score Florida Panthers 3, Carolina Hurricanes 3. Our safest pick: Under 8 goals.

Florida Panthers at Carolina Hurricanes (NHL, Tue, 22 Sep): Carolina Hurricanes win 80%, Florida Panthers win 20%; projected score Carolina Hurricanes 4, Florida Panthers 3. Our safest pick: Under 9 goals.