Panthers Injury Update: 5 Key Players Set To Return Ahead Of Playoff Stretch
Few teams have faced as many injuries in recent weeks as the Florida Panthers. Just two weeks ago, they led the Atlantic Division, but a rash of injuries has left them with a 1-4-1 record in their last six games, allowing the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning to overtake them in the standings.
However, there may be hope on the horizon. Head coach Paul Maurice provided updates this morning on nearly every injured regular.
According to Colby Guy of The Palm Beach Post, captain Aleksander Barkov—who missed the last three games with an upper-body injury—will return for tomorrow’s crucial matchup against Toronto.
Aleksander Barkov is returning to the Florida Panthers lineup tonight, per Paul Maurice.
— Colby Guy (@ColbyDGuy) April 8, 2025
Barkov’s impact on the Panthers cannot be overstated. As one of the league’s elite two-way forwards, he contributes as much defensively as he does offensively. Since his debut in 2013-14, Florida has struggled without him, posting a 60-63-16 regular-season record in his absence.
Guy also reported that trade deadline pickup Nico Sturm is set to return Wednesday, while defenseman Dmitry Kulikov should be back by week’s end. TSN’s Mark Masters added that Sam Reinhart and Gustav Forsling are also expected to rejoin the lineup against Toronto.
More injury updates:
— Colby Guy (@ColbyDGuy) April 8, 2025
— Sam Bennett is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with an upper-body injury. He will be back for Game 1.
— Nico Sturm will be available on Wednesday.
— Dmitry Kulikov is expected to return later in the week.
By the weekend, the only remaining absentees will be Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, and Aaron Ekblad.
Bennett, in particular, may not play another regular-season game. According to team senior digital content manager Jameson Olive, the Panthers plan to hold him out until Game 1 of their first-round playoff series as a precaution.
The physical center is managing an upper-body injury, and the team wants him as close to full strength as possible for what promises to be a grueling playoff opener.
Barkov is back tonight, per Maurice.
— Jameson Olive (@JamesonCoop) April 8, 2025
Bennett (upper body) is likely out the rest of the regular season, but in no danger of missing Game 1 of playoffs. They want to get him as close to 100% as possible.
With just five games left in their regular season, the Panthers face an uphill battle to regain their footing. They currently trail Tampa Bay by four points and Toronto by six in the Atlantic, putting their home-ice advantage at risk in their Stanley Cup defense.
However, with upcoming games against the Maple Leafs and Lightning—along with matchups against the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres—Florida still has a chance to shape their playoff destiny.
Image - Sam Navarro-Imagn
