Panthers' Barkov helped off ice during practice, will be evaluated

SUNRISE, FL - MAY 26: Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16) warms up before the third period during game four of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Florida Panthers on Saturday, May 26, 2025 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL.

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Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov needed help off the ice after sustaining an apparent leg injury during Thursday's practice.

Here's video of Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov going down today at practice... https://t.co/g32uLiJzjk pic.twitter.com/QIAamOdqzd
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) September 25, 2025

Head coach Paul Maurice said Barkov will be evaluated, with Florida expecting an update on its leader Friday.

"It's beyond our control," Maurice said, per Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald. "We have to learn to win hockey games without good players. If that's the adversity or the test that we face this year, then that's what we're going to do. I'm not a doctor, so whatever the report is won't affect how we handle the next days."

The Panthers start their regular season Oct. 7 against the Chicago Blackhawks. The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions are already without winger Matthew Tkachuk until at least December. He underwent surgery over the offseason to repair injuries sustained last season.

Barkov was limited to 67 games in 2024-25 but still managed 71 points and won his second consecutive Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward. He added 22 points in 23 playoff contests.