Aleksander Barkov (lower body) to miss 2-3 weeks, says Panthers coach

The head coach of the Florida Panthers, Paul Maurice, announced on Saturday that their captain, Aleksander Barkov, is expected to be out of the game for two to three weeks due to a lower-body injury.

Barkov sustained the injury while trying to prevent an empty-net goal in their recent game against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday. He crashed into the end boards feet-first.

If the timeline set by Maurice is accurate, Barkov should be able to play in his home country of Finland when the Panthers take on the Dallas Stars in the NHL Global Series on November 1-2.

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According to Maurice, "We think two to three weeks. We think that's probably the right window on him. He's a strong healer. He's just a big powerful man, puts a lot of torque on his joints. We're optimistic, I think very optimistic, that he'll play in Finland."

Last season, Barkov, who is 29 years old, was voted the Selke Trophy winner for the best defensive forward. He also received the same honor for the 2020-21 season.

In the two games he has played this season, Barkov has only recorded one point, an assist.

Barkov holds several franchise records for the Panthers, including most goals (266), assists (446), points (712), and game-winning goals (48). He was drafted by the Panthers as the second overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.