The Florida Panthers placed captain Aleksander Barkov on long-term injured reserve Saturday due to a lower-body injury, head coach Paul Maurice confirmed to team reporter Jameson Olive.
Barkov will miss at least 10 games. He'll continue to be evaluated, and there's optimism that his injury isn't season-ending, sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan.
The earliest Barkov can be activated off LTIR is Oct. 27 against the Winnipeg Jets.
The 31-year-old missed all of last season with a torn ACL and MCL in his right leg.
Barkov didn't return in Thursday's overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks after falling awkwardly on his left leg in the second period.
Aleksander Barkov immediately leaves the ice in pain after an awkward fall pic.twitter.com/Anli2nv5LQ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 2, 2026
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said postgame Thursday that Barkov's injury is unrelated to last year's and that the team would know more Friday afternoon.
Florida earns just under $4 million in cap space with Barkov on LTIR. The Panthers will only gain Barkov's full $10-million cap hit in space if he's designated as out for the entire season, including the playoffs.
Florida missed the postseason last year without Barkov after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Barkov returned from injury in May with Finland at the World Championship, captaining his nation to gold.
Barkov tallied 20 goals and 71 points in 67 games during the 2024-25 campaign. He's a three-time Selke Trophy winner as the best defensive forward in the NHL.
