The Florida Panthers could potentially be without captain Aleksander Barkov for the entire 2025-26 season after he suffered a torn ACL. Barkov underwent surgery after suffering the injury in the early stages of training camp and is expected to miss seven to nine months.

During Panthers' practice Tuesday, Barkov was working one-on-one against defenseman Niko Mikkola when he went down awkwardly. Barkov's right leg got bent underneath him, and he was unable to put any weight on it as he was helped off the ice by members of the training staff.

After further evaluation, Barkov underwent surgery Friday, Panthers coach Paul Maurice told reporters. Later that day, a press release from the Panthers organization confirmed an expected timeline for Barkov's return.

"Today, [Barkov] underwent

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