Aleksander Barkov Out Week-To-Week

Florida Panthers head coach Andrew Brunette told reporters that captain Aleksander Barkov will be out week-to-week with a knee injury. He also noted that surgery thankfully isn't needed.

Head coach Andrew Brunnette announced that Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov won't need surgery after suffering a lower-body injury Tuesday and will be considered week-to-week as he rehabs.https://t.co/kC9u4SYjzW
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2021

Barkov was injured Tuesday night after New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield threw a knee-on-knee hit on him. NHL Player Safety opted not to fine nor suspend the defenseman for the play.

Although things could have been a lot worse, Barkov's injury is still horrible news for the Panthers. He's their team leader and best all-around player, so Florida will be in for a real test without him. The penalty kill will also miss him immensely, as he's among the best defensive forwards in the game. This is evidenced by his Selke Trophy win last season.

In 15 games this season, Barkov has nine goals and 17 points. That kind of offensive production is very difficult to replace. Thus, the Panthers will be counting on their depth players to fill in.

The Panthers may not face off against the Panthers again until April 19th, but they surely won't forget about Mayfield injuring their star.