On Tuesday, Paul Maurice delivered good news for Panthers fans. The head coach said captain Aleksander Barkov and winger Brad Marchand could return within two weeks.
Both players joined Florida’s morning skate in Columbus on November 10 for the first time since their injuries.
It marked progress, though Maurice has not confirmed a return date for either player. Barkov last played on October 1. Marchand last played on October 6. Their return would strengthen Florida’s offense and bring two veteran leaders back into the lineup at a difficult time.
As they work toward that return, both have also found time for friendships forged through hockey.
Barkov reconnects with Jagr
For Barkov, that meant catching up with former Panthers teammate Jaromir Jagr.
The 54-year-old NHL alum shared a photo with Florida's captain and their girlfriends on Instagram on November 2. The image reminded fans of their years together in Florida.
Their connection goes back to Barkov’s early NHL years. Jagr played parts of three seasons for the Florida Panthers from 2015 to 2017. He scored 49 goals and added 81 assists for 130 points in 181 regular-season games. He delivered his best Panthers season in 2015-16, with 66 points in 79 games.
Marchand gets emotional at Bergeron’s induction
While Sasha Barkov and Jaromir Jagr reunited away from the spotlight, Marchand showed up for his former partner on one of hockey’s biggest stages.
On November 9, he traveled to Toronto to watch longtime teammate and friend Patrice Bergeron be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The occasion carried special meaning for Marchand. He had spent years alongside Bergeron in Boston before succeeding him as captain in September 2023.
When Beggy took the microphone, he made sure to recognize that bond. During his speech, he thanked Zdeno Chara and Brad Marchand. The three won the Stanley Cup together in 2011.
“Our friendship became so much more than hockey,” Bergeron said of Marchand.
Marchy listened with tears in his eyes. His reaction showed how much that friendship means to him. Those moments gave both players a chance to reconnect with old teammates. Hopefully, Marchy got some inspiration and positive vibes for the rest of his season.
But back on the ice, fans, Barkov, and Marchand are now looking to spice up Florida’s lineup.
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