When the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers open their season Tuesday, they will be missing two of their biggest stars: Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk.

The Panthers, who will play host to the Chicago Blackhawks in Sunrise, lost Barkov during practice Sept. 25. One of the NHL's best two-way forwards, Barkov tore his ACL and MCL and is expected to miss at least the regular season while recovering from right knee surgery.

Barkov is Florida's franchise leader in goals (286), assists (496) and games (804). The Panthers captain also leads in power-play goals (84) and game-winning goals (52).

"I know that the idea is ‘next man up,'" Florida coach Paul Maurice said. "But there isn't a ‘next man' to fill Barky's skates."

In addition to that crushing blow, Tkachuk is

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