Is Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov likely to return this season after knee surgery?

Aleksander Barkov's chances of returning to the Florida Panthers lineup this season are growing, offering a timely boost to the team's strength as they continue to chase the Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston, on Tuesday morning, revealed that Barkov’s chances of being back with Florida this year are “pretty high”.

Earlier, the team announced that the captain would remain away from the team for the entire 2025-26 season, after sustaining a non-contact right knee injury on Sept. 25, 2025. Reports suggest that captain Aleksander Barkov has resumed skating recently after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in training camp.

Besides, he was also seen taking to the ice before Florida’s loss to the New York Rangers in the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 from Miami’s loanDepot Park. It is important to note that Florida has been playing without Barkov and forward Matthew Tkachuk, who is recovering from surgery for a torn adductor and sports hernia.

Still, it's commendable that the team's collective effort has scored a 22-17-3 record and sits just two points away from the playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

NHL Insider hints at Aleksander Barkov’s return to Florida Panthers this season after ACL injury

The Florida Panthers could get a major boost as their captain, Aleksander Barkov, is reportedly planning to rejoin the team after recovering from a knee injury, followed by a surgery, recently. With this return, the Panthers could begin defense of their back-to-back Stanley Cup titles without captain Aleksander Barkov and alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk.

Barkov underwent surgery to repair ACL and MCL injuries suffered on the opening day of camp, sidelining him for seven to nine months, following knee surgery in September. This questioned his ability to suit up for Florida over the course of the 2025-26 season.


Meanwhile, NHL Insider Chris Johnston stated, “I think we’re going to see him play for the Panthers before they’ve played their last game this season, but it might still not come until playoff time.”

Johnston further said, “He’s started to skate a little bit, but if you’ve seen it, it’s in a tracksuit. He’s still got quite a bit to go, but also, we’re only at the beginning of January.

Speaking about his return around April and May, he added, “The absolute best-case scenario is he’s coming back at some point, late April, early May, whatever that is. If you’re the Panthers, you’re rooting for [that], but you’re not counting on them being back.”

As per reports, Barkov has recorded 20 goals and 51 assists for 71 points last season, winning both the Selke and King Clancy Trophy. He also added 22 points during the playoffs en route to helping Florida win their second Stanley Cup title in as many years. While Barkov’s return to the ice is surely a positive sign for the Panthers, a return to the lineup is not imminent.

Also read: Winnipeg Jets Haydn Fleury discharged from hospital after suffering major upper-body injury | NHL News - The Times of India


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