Barkov (knee) was shifted to injured reserve Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

This move was not unexpected, as Barkov recently underwent knee surgery to repair injuries to his right ACL and MCL. Florida's captain has a 7-9 month recovery timeline, and it's a possibility he'll be held out of a potential playoff run to allow him to fully heal for the 2026-27 campaign. Sam Bennett is slated to center the top line in Barkov's stead.

Barkov (knee) underwent surgery Friday to repair injuries to his right ACL and MCL and will miss 7-9 months.

EDGE Analysis

Even in a best-case scenario, it is almost certain Barkov will miss the entirety of the 2025-26 regular season. If he's on the long end of the timeline, he could also miss the playoffs. The Panthers will have to dig deep to cover Barkov's absence, which will likely lead to a bigger role for Anton Lundell and a committee approach to filling bottom-six minutes. Expect Barkov to be placed on long-term injured reserve prior to the start of the season.

Barkov is having surgery to repair a right knee injury Friday and will be sidelined indefinitely, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the team hasn't provided a specific timeline or announced the exact nature of his knee surgery, there is concern that this could end his 2025-26 campaign before it even starts. At this point, Barkov probably isn't worth the risk in re-draft formats and only has value in keeper/dynasty contests, where he can be stashed away for the 2026-27 campaign. With Barkov out, Anton Lundell will likely be pressed into the second-line center role to open the season.

Barkov will get checked out by doctors Thursday after suffering a leg injury in practice earlier in the day,

EDGE Analysis

Barkov was down on the ice for several minutes after being hit in practice. Barkov needed help off the ice as he was unable to apply much weight on his right leg. The 30-year-old had 20 goals and 51 assists across 67 regular-season contests in 2024-25 and was a stud in the playoffs with six goals and 22 points in 23 contests.

Barkov exited Thursday's practice session early due to an apparent right leg injury, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Panthers held their first practice session in which the regulars participated in a team setting, but Barkov was unable to make it through practice due to his injury. He was down on the ice for several minutes before being helped off by a pair of staff members, and he didn't appear to put much weight on his right leg as he left the ice. Head coach Paul Maurice said after practice that Barkov is still being evaluated, and the team is expected to have more information on the nature and severity of his injury Friday.

Barkov delivered two assists in a 5-1, Stanley Cup-clinching victory over Edmonton on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

His Selke grit sets the tone for the Panthers, who excel in the postseason. This was Barkov's second straight lift of the Cup. He finished with 22 points (six goals, 16 assists) in 23 games this postseason. Barkov delivered five assists on a three-game point streak to finish the the playoffs.

Barkov logged an assist in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Oilers in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

EDGE Analysis

Barkov has three helpers over the last two games. The 29-year-old opened the series with three scoreless efforts, but he's found his way back on the scoresheet as the Panthers make a push for a second consecutive championship. The center has produced six goals, 14 helpers, 45 shots on net, 50 hits, 22 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating across 22 playoff appearances.

Barkov logged two power-play assists, four shots on goal, two hits and two PIM in Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Oilers in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

EDGE Analysis

Barkov helped out on both of Matthew Tkachuk's tallies in the first period. The 29-year-old Barkov had been held off the scoresheet with a minus-3 rating and six shots on net over the first three games of this season. He's now at 18 points (eight on the power play), 45 shots on net, 49 hits, 21 blocked shots and a plus-1 rating over 21 playoff outings. His defensive prowess is a gift and a curse -- Barkov's had his hands full trying to contain Connor McDavid for much of this series, limiting his own chances on offense.

Barkov notched two assists, two shots on goal, two hits and a minus-2 rating in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Hurricanes in Game 5.

EDGE Analysis

Barkov set up third-period tallies by Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett to help the Panthers clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. Over five games against the Hurricanes, Barkov put up three goals and four assists from his first-line spot. The 29-year-old leads the Panthers in points this postseason with 17 in as many games, and he's added 34 shots on net, 40 hits, 16 blocked shots and a plus-4 rating.

Barkov scored twice, dished an assist, blocked two shots and went plus-4 in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Hurricanes in Game 3.

EDGE Analysis

Barkov netted both of his tallies during a five-goal third period for the Panthers. He also assisted on a Niko Mikkola tally in the first. During his four-game point streak, Barkov has three goals, four assists and six shots on net. The star center is up to six goals, nine helpers, 32 shots, 37 hits, 16 blocks and a plus-9 rating across 15 playoff appearances.