
AI-generated summary
Aleksandar Barkov, a 31-year-old Finnish forward and captain of the Florida Panthers, previously missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a right knee injury and ligament surgery. In May, he won gold at the World Championships in Switzerland as part of the Finnish team, scoring 11 points.
MOSCOW, October 4 - RIA Novosti. Florida Panthers captain Aleksandr Barkov has been placed on the long-term injured list, according to the National Hockey League (NHL) website.
The Finnish striker was injured on Thursday in the 29th minute of the away match against the San Jose Sharks (3:4 in overtime). While fighting for the puck during a power play, he fell unsuccessfully, after which he left the court on his own and headed to the locker room.
The exact timing of Barkov's return is unknown. Players placed on the long-term injured list may not return to the ice until after 10 games. Earlier, Florida head coach Paul Maurice said that the current injury is not related to last year's injury.
For 31-year-old Barkov, the meeting with San Jose was the second after returning to the NHL. He missed the entire 2025-26 season with a right knee injury suffered on the first day of training camp. The next day, the striker underwent surgery to restore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments. In May, Barkov competed at the World Championships in Switzerland, where, as captain, he helped the Finnish team win gold, scoring 11 points (3 goals + 8 assists) in 10 matches.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Aleksander Barkov will miss at least 10 NHL games after being placed on the long-term injured list
Very likely · Within weeks

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