Aleksander Barkov had finally made it back.
After missing the entire 2025-26 season because of a serious right knee injury, the Florida Panthers captain was only two games into his return when another knee scare sent him down the tunnel Thursday night.
Barkov’s left leg appeared to buckle during a battle for the puck against the San Jose Sharks. He immediately got up, opened the door to the bench and headed to the dressing room, visibly frustrated. He did not return.
The timing couldn’t be much tougher for Barkov.
Last September, the Panthers watched their captain suffer ACL and MCL injuries to his right knee during training camp. He underwent surgery the following day and was expected to miss seven to nine months, ultimately sitting out the entire season.
After a long road back, Barkov returned to action this week and appeared ready to put the injury behind him. He even represented Finland at the World Championship in May, helping his country win gold while showing that his surgically repaired knee could handle meaningful hockey.
Now, the Panthers are waiting for answers again.
The good news, at least for now, is that coach Paul Maurice said the new injury is not related to Barkov’s previous right-knee injury. Barkov is expected to undergo further evaluation, with an MRI expected Friday.
There is no official timeline for his return yet.
For a player who just spent an entire season watching from the sidelines, another knee injury this early in his comeback is the last thing Barkov or the Panthers wanted to see.
Hockey is more than a game, it’s our vice.
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