NHL insider Chris Johnston gives Panthers fans an encouraging update on captain Aleksander Barkov

The Florida Panthers went back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, and given how loaded this team is with depth and star power, many believed they were a chance of going for a very, very rare three-peat in 2025/26.

Unfortunately, they were dealt two major injury blows before the 2025/26 campaign even began, with Matthew Tkachuk ruled out until 2026 while many believed that captain Aleksander Barkov was done for the season with an ACL injury suffered in pre-season.

Recently, there was a report that Barkov had once again begun skating, and while it was a very positive update for their captain, it's one that shouldn't have gotten Panthers fans hopes too high.

Now, NHL Insider Chris Johnston has come out with a massive report, predicting that before the end of this season, whenever that is for Florida, Barkov will have once again taken the ice with his team.

Given the way the Panthers have played in recent years, it's easy to assume that they will play in the post-season this year, and if they can extend their season, it appears as though Barkov is targeting a return.

Ultimately, even at 60%, Barkov would be a major addition for this team, and while it's unclear what round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs he would target as a return, all eyes now turn to the Panthers star captain in the coming months.

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