The Florida Panthers are awaiting word on the status of captain Aleksander Barkov.

Barkov left Thursday’s practice with the help of trainers after appearing to suffer a right-leg injury, according to Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. Head coach Paul Maurice said Barkov was still being evaluated for the injury and didn’t have an update.

Barkov is coming off his third Selke Trophy-winning season and leading the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cups. The top-line centre had 20 goals and 71 points in 67 games last season.

The Panthers are already set to begin the season without star winger Matthew Tkachuk, who will be out until December while recovering from off-season sports hernia surgery.

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