Aleksander Barkov was hooping with the Miami Heat on Wednesday, during the NBA team’s preseason practice at Florida Atlantic University.

On crutches because of his recent knee surgery , the Panthers captain seemed in good spirits at the practice, chatting with Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and some of the Heat players.

“You guys have just been so inspiring,” Spoelstra said to Barkov in a social media video posted by the Heat. "It's been electrifying."

Barkov sustained a knee injury during training camp that will keep him on the bench for at least the regular season. He had surgery on his knee last Friday and is expected to be out for 7-9 months.

The two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers open their season at home against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 7 (5 p.m. ET; ESPN

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