The Panthers could have captain Aleksander Barkov again within the lineup on Monday towards the Sabres, head coach Paul Maurice advised reporters in Buffalo (together with Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald).
The staff has danced round confirming his return for days now. Barkov has missed the final eight video games with a lower-body damage, believed to be a high-ankle sprain that he sustained within the closing seconds of Florida’s second sport of the season towards the Senators again on Oct. 10. The 29-year-old was a full participant in practice over the weekend, signaling that he’d possible be able to play tonight.
Regardless of the absence of their No. 1 middle for 80 p.c of their schedule, the defending Stanley Cup champions have managed to remain forward of the pack. They rank first in a mediocre Atlantic Division to start out the season, main the best way with a 6-3-1 file. Remarkably, six of the division’s eight groups have a .500 file; the Panthers and the Lightning (5-3-0) are the one exceptions.
The team’s Jameson Olive relays Barkov will return with Sam Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues as his wingers. Reinhart has proven no indicators of slowing down from final season’s breakout marketing campaign, however Barkov’s return may assist jumpstart Rodrigues, who’s stumbled out of the gate with simply three factors and a -10 ranking in 10 contests.
Barkov is coming off his second Selke Trophy-winning common season. The 2013 second general decide led Panthers forwards final season with a +33 ranking and 61 takeaways. He managed 58.4 p.c of shot makes an attempt and 58.2 p.c of anticipated targets whereas on the ice at even energy. He proceeded so as to add 22 factors (8 G, 14 A) in 24 playoff video games, averaging over 21 minutes per evening because the Panthers lifted the primary Stanley Cup in franchise historical past.
Florida by no means wanted to maneuver Barkov to IR regardless of the prolonged absence. It nonetheless has an open roster spot, even with him on the lively roster.