Florida Panthers Face Injury Challenges
Bad news continues to plague the Florida Panthers as star forward Aleksander Barkov is set to be sidelined indefinitely after having knee surgery this past Friday. Previously, Barkov’s teammate Matthew Tkachuk was also announced out for an unspecified duration, adding to the team’s difficulties. Despite these setbacks, the Panthers boast substantial offensive depth, allowing them to maintain a competitive presence on the ice.
Offensive Lineup Adjustments
Looking ahead, the Panthers’ first line will likely consist of Sam Bennett, supported by Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Reinhart, providing a solid offensive threat. Anton Lundell will take on a pivotal role at center for the second line, flanked by veterans Brad Marchand and Eetu Luostarinen. On special teams, Marchand will elevate the top power-play unit, working alongside the first-line trio, with Seth Jones positioned on defense.
Fantasy Hockey Implications
Lundell’s promotion into a top-six role has positively impacted his fantasy hockey standing, lifting him into the top 150 rankings after a noteworthy addition of 5 goals and 7 assists to his projected totals for the 2025-26 season. Conversely, the uncertainty surrounding Barkov’s recovery makes him a risk for managers in redraft leagues, potentially rendering him un-draftable this season. However, he may be worth utilizing an injured reserve slot for, especially if the league structure can accommodate additional injuries.
Keeper League Considerations
In keeper or dynasty formats, Barkov remains an enticing option—despite being 30 years old—if he can return to form and once again contribute as a top-six forward, ideally maintaining a point-per-game pace.
