(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov Undergoes Knee Surgery, Out 7–9 Months
SUNRISE, FL — September 26, 2025: The Florida Panthers announced that captain Aleksander Barkov has undergone successful surgery to repair ACL and MCL injuries in his right knee. The recovery timeline is expected to be seven to nine months, potentially sidelining him for most of the 2025–26 NHL season.
The procedure was performed by Dr. John Uribe at Baptist Health Doctors Hospital, with the team confirming Barkov will be re-evaluated regularly throughout his rehabilitation.
“The expected recovery timeline for these injuries is 7 to 9 months,” the Panthers said in a statement.
Impact on Panthers’ Season
Barkov’s injury is a major setback as the Panthers pursue a third straight Stanley Cup championship. While there is a slim chance he could return during the playoffs, his absence is certain to be felt throughout the regular season. The injury also rules him out of representing Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice addressed the situation with optimism, saying:
“You get one day to be sad.”
How the Injury Happened
The 30-year-old forward was injured during practice on Thursday at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale. Video footage showed his right leg giving out while attempting a move, leaving him unable to put weight on it. Trainers assisted him off the ice.
Barkov’s Legacy
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Franchise Records: Goals (286), Assists (496), Points (782), Games Played (804)
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Awards: Three-time winner of the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward
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Leadership: Panthers captain since 2018, guiding the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2023–24 and 2024–25, and three straight Finals appearances.
The Panthers remain strong contenders, but their championship bid will now be tested without one of the NHL’s most respected two-way players.
