"The Florida Panthers announced their star centerman, Aleksander Barkov, will miss the next seven to nine months after undergoing surgery to repair torn ACL and MCL ligaments in his knee on Friday. Barkov's injury has left the Panthers with a giant hole down the middle, and they're reportedly considering filling the void with an intriguing free agent option: former Washington Capitals star Evgeny Kuznetsov."
"Kuznetsov would have huge shoes to fill in Florida, as Barkov finished the 2024-25 campaign with 71 points (20g, 51a) in 67 games, captaining the Panthers to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. He is also the winner of the 2024 and 2025 Selke Trophies, as the league's top defensive forward. The 33-year-old Kuznetsov last played an NHL game in May 2024, finishing the season with 24 points (8g, 16a) in 63 games split between the Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes."
"#FlaPanthers forwards today, by jersey color White (generally top-six forwards): Reinhart, Bennett, Verhaeghe, Luostarinen, Lundell, Marchand Dark blue (generally bottom-six forwards): Rodrigues, Samoskevich, Greer, Kunin, Boqvist, Gregor Baby blue: Devine, Vilmanis, Studnicka - Jordan McPherson (@J_McPherson1126) September 26, 2025 There are just 10 days until the NHL regular season begins, so any decision will have to be made soon, as training camps are coming to a close. All 32 NHL teams must declare their Opening Night rosters by 5 pm ET on October 7."
Aleksander Barkov will miss seven to nine months after ACL and MCL surgery on his knee. The injury creates a significant vacancy at center for the Florida Panthers. Evgeny Kuznetsov, recently released from his KHL contract, is a reported candidate and remains interested in an NHL return while awaiting Toronto's decision. Barkov recorded 71 points in 67 games in 2024-25 and won the Selke Trophy in 2024 and 2025. Kuznetsov posted 24 points in 63 games in his last NHL season. The Panthers retain Sam Bennett, Anton Lundell, Evan Rodrigues, and Luke Kunin among their centers. Training camps are closing and Opening Night rosters must be submitted by 5 pm ET on October 7.
Read at RMNB
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