The Florida Panthers shared encouraging news on captain Aleksander Barkov, with coach Paul Maurice revealing on Tuesday that the center is expected to miss six to eight weeks and won’t require surgery.
That update inevitably changes the outlook for any possible pursuit of forwards in the trade market, including Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin.
According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Barkov timeline should “quell the speculation” connecting the Panthers to Larkin. In LeBrun’s eyes, Larkin doesn’t “fit” the Panthers anymore.
“My understanding is that there wasn’t validity to that speculation in the first place,” LeBrun wrote. “But with the news Tuesday, it becomes a moot point anyway.”
LeBrun explained that because Barkov is expected back just a third into the season, Florida cannot simply use his full cap hit to make a major addition, even though he’s been placed on long-term injury reserve.
The Athletic’s pundit also pointed to the Panthers’ center depth and future financial obligations as things worth considering within the franchise’s outlook.
“Because Barkov will be back this season, it’s not like the Panthers can go out and spend his cap hit,” LeBrun wrote. “Florida is also loaded at the center position already. And finally, in terms of planning out a bit further, the Panthers need to save for a rainy day — needing to extend Brady Tkachuk next summer, one year before the expiry of his deal.”
LeBrun, however, stopped short of ruling anything out permanently: “Never say never. Things can change. But right now I don’t see the fit for Larkin on the Panthers.”
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Maurice said Tuesday that Barkov’s recovery window is six to eight weeks after doctors determined that non-surgical rehabilitation was appropriate.
“That’s our best window,” Maurice said. “Could be a little less, could be a little more. But we think six to eight (weeks) is the right rehab time.”
Florida wrapped up its season-opening road trip with a win over the Los Angeles Kings but lost Brad Marchand to another injury on Tuesday.
