Panthers' Aleksander Barkov: Moves to IR
Barkov (undisclosed) was placed on injured reserve Friday, Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night In Canada reports.
Analysis:
The writing was on the wall that Barkov would be placed on injured reserve based on coach Tom Rowe saying Thursday that the punchy pivot will miss the next 2-to-3 weeks. Even without Barkov, Florida currently has enough centers on the active roster to field a starting lineup, but none who match the playmaking prowess of Barkov, currently the team leader with 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) in 36 games.