The Florida Panthers have spent most of the season outside the Eastern Conference’s Top 10 and without key leaders. Matthew Tkachuk’s return on Jan. 20 hasn’t addressed all challenges at once, but the forward adds lineup depth and strong character. He recorded three assists in his first five games. Chucky draws a lot of attention without any efforts. It's time to shift focus to the Panthers’ captain, Sasha Barkov.
On Tuesday, Jan.27, every Panthers fan was happy to see the three-time Selke winner skating in his full gear with other IR players at the team’s practice facility in Fort Lauderdale.
The Florida Panthers drafted a defensive-oriented center in the first round, 2nd overall, in 2013. His father, Aleksander Barkov Sr., shared that from early childhood, Sasha cared more about battling for a puck and working with it rather than just scoring goals. Barkov's natural talent earned him the status of one of the best defensive forwards in the league and three Selke trophies. In 12 NHL seasons, the 30-year-old Barky registered 286 goals, 782 points, a plus/minus of +124, and 2097 shots in 804 games.
In 2025, Barkov Jr. spent a memorable summer celebrating consecutive championships and showcasing the Stanley Cup in Tampere, Finland, for a second straight year. His preseason training proceeded smoothly.
Unfortunately, Barkov sustained a severe knee injury while practicing with the Panthers in September, before he had a chance to begin a new season. It has required an estimated 7-9 months for full recovery. Moreover, this injury means Barkov will miss the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The Cats’ bench boss, Paul Maurice, was the first to dismiss any rumors about possible replacements and has remained committed to the current roster. As a result, the Panthers continue to navigate the season "As Is" with existing resources and without any major signings.
Timeline
Before running into health problems, Barkov joined the ownership team for the Palm Beach Royals pickleball club, set to play in Major League Pickleball in the 2026-2027 season. Sasha, who loves tennis, will now help grow pickleball in Florida. This is another venue where fans can see the Panthers’ leader.
After Barkov’s surgery at the end of September 2025, fans spotted him working out at a Fort Lauderdale park in early November. Despite his low profile—even in the career-best seasons—his status makes visibility unavoidable. As with any player, he started rehab by working individually with a skills coach before skating with others. To keep recovery private and smooth, spectators weren't allowed during early sessions. The public first saw on-ice pictures of Barkov online on Jan. 1. Barkov skated with the team in a branded hoodie and knee brace, just before the 2026 NHL Winter Classic. Although he didn't participate on the ice during the Panthers vs. Rangers matchup on Jan. 2, he kept spirits high, socialized with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and joined Matthew Tkachuk and the Stanley Cup on stage during intermission.
In mid-January, Barkov traveled with the Cats to Washington, DC, joining the team for White House festivities. A few days later, Barkov took over as the Miami Heat’s social media admin to highlight the game from his perspective. Barky’s involvement gave the Heat players a boost—they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-120.
The Panthers’ forward isn’t a frequent social media user, but his passion for sports is clear. While Aleksander Barkov’s name may not dominate headlines daily, he remains present, consistently working toward his return.