{"id":397828,"date":"2026-01-08T16:33:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/397828\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T16:33:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:33:09","slug":"pretty-high-chance-aleksander-barkov-returns-for-florida-panthers-this-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/397828\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cPretty high\u201d chance Aleksander Barkov returns for Florida Panthers this season"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Florida Panthers<\/a> could be getting a big boost to their lineup as they continue their chase for a Stanley Cup three-peat.<\/p>\n

Captain Aleksander Barkov<\/a> has resumed skating recently after suffering a torn ACL and MCL in training camp, and was seen taking to the ice prior to Florida\u2019s loss to the New York Rangers<\/a> in the Winter Classic on Jan. 2 from Miami\u2019s loanDepot Park. <\/p>\n

The 30-year-old forward was initially given a return timeline of seven-to-nine months following knee surgery in September, casting doubt on whether he would suit up for Florida over the course of the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

The injury dealt a big blow to the Panthers, who have also been without Matthew Tkachuk<\/a> to this point in the season after he underwent surgery of his own to repair a torn adductor and sports hernia.<\/p>\n

TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston joined TSN1050\u2019s First Up on Tuesday morning, and revealed that Barkov\u2019s chances to be back with Florida this year are \u201cpretty high\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019re going to see him play for the Panthers before they\u2019ve played their last game this season, but it might still not come until playoff time,\u201d Johnston said on Tuesday morning.<\/p>\n

While Barkov\u2019s return to the ice is surely a positive sign for Paul Maurice and the Panthers Johnston later added that a return to the lineup is not imminent.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s started to skate a little bit, but if you\u2019ve seen it, it\u2019s in a tracksuit. He\u2019s still got quite a bit to go, but also we\u2019re only at the beginning of January. <\/p>\n

\u201cI think the ultimate question for the Panthers is they\u2019re going to need to know by March 6 when that return can be with a little more clarity , because it might impact what they are able to do at the trade deadline.\u201d<\/p>\n

Barkov, a native of Tampere, Finland, recorded 20 goals and 51 assists for 71 points last season, winning both the Selke and King Clancy<\/a> Trophy. He also added 22 points during the playoffs en route to helping Florida win their second Stanley Cup title in as many years.<\/p>\n

Florida has played to a 22-17-3 record without Barkov and Tkachuk this season, and are currently just two points back of the final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.<\/p>\n

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