Panthers coach calls 10-12 week Barkov timeline unconfirmed

Aleksander Barkov injured his left leg Oct. 1 in a 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks, his second game back after missing all of 2025-26 following right-knee ACL surgery. Florida placed him on long-term injured reserve, requiring at least 10 games and 24 days out. He met doctors in South Florida on Oct. 5. Coach Paul Maurice dismissed reporter Armando Velez's 10-12 week timeline for a Christmas or New Year's return. "We need a certain amount of information before we can make our best estimate, and we don't have that information yet," Maurice said. "Everyone is guessing. He's in with doctors." He hoped for a more solid answer the next day and said of the report: "Do not bet your hard-earned money on that one. I know you can bet on everything these days, but hang onto your cash, truly. If I don't know, nobody else does." Barkov is Florida's all-time leader in goals (286), assists (496) and points (782), a two-time Stanley Cup champion and three-time Selke Trophy winner. The injury is unrelated to last season's knee issue per nhl.com. Next update expected after Tuesday's morning skate.