FORT LAUDERDALE - With each challenge comes opportunity.

On Friday night, the Panthers announced that captain Aleksander Barkov had undergone successful surgery to repair injuries to his ACL and MCL. Per the team’s statement, he’s expected to need about seven to nine months to recover.

“There’s not a next man for Barky’s skates, so we just got to share it,” head coach Paul Maurice said.

Barkov, a three-time Selke Trophy winner, recorded 71 points (20G, 51A) in 67 regular-season games last season, and his 22 points (6G, 16A) points ranked fourth on the team in the playoffs.

With no “next man up” for a player of that caliber, the whole team will need to step up.

"Any time you go through adversity, it makes you stronger, it makes you a better team, and guys want it more,” said forward

See Full Page