Aleksander Barkov had already announced how they would approach the 2025-26 season. “It’s not about defending the Cup, it’s about winning it,” the Florida Panthers captain said in the presser, getting things rolling for the 2024-25 season. Yet sometimes, when you have your goal set and your mind ready, fate decides to play spoilsport. But it seems the Panthers are pushing back, using the Barkov setback to their advantage.

The news of the Finnish center’s season-ending injury has probably reached every corner of the NHL. It’s a massive loss for the Panthers, one that they have already admitted they can’t replace man-for-man. “We’re going to have to figure out ways for all of us to be better, myself included,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito has declared as the only way they can co

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