Report: Panthers' Barkov to return from hand injury Monday

The Florida Panthers will reportedly have their first-line center back in the lineup Monday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as Aleksander Barkov is expected to return after missing over three weeks with a broken bone in his hand.

George Richards of the Miami Herald expects Barkov to retake his spot between Jonathan Huberdeau and Jaromir Jagr on the first line, barring any setbacks.

Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant wouldn't go as far as confirming Barkov's availability for Monday's game, but Gallant said the 20-year-old could return to the lineup as early as Monday, according to Jameson Olive of the team's official website.

Barkov was off to a productive start, with six points in the first seven games.

The Panthers won five of the 10 games he missed due to injury. The team hasn't lost this season when they've scored at least three goals.