The loss of Aleksander Barkov is a significant one to the Florida Panthers, who are off to nice 4-3-1 start and sit in third place in the Atlantic Division.
Barkov suffered a broken hand while blocking a Niklas Hjalmarsson slapshot in the second period shot of Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. The fractured bone, reportedly between the thumb and forefinger on his right hand, kept the No. 1 centre out of Saturday’s game versus Dallas.
Barkov, 20, visited a specialist Monday and it was determined the fracture will not require surgery. He is expected to return to the lineup in two to four weeks, reports the Miami Herald.
The Panthers rank a remarkable third overall in goal differential (plus-9), but Barkov’s absence from the lineup should hinder them at both ends.
“He’s going to be a point-a-game guy and a plus player. He’s as good defensively as he is offensively,” GM Dale Tallon told Hockey Central at Noon. “He’s one of the most complete players in the league.”
In seven games this season, Barkov has scored three goals, added three assists, and has played meaningful minutes on both special-teams units. He is second only to linemate Jaromir Jagr in shots on goal for Florida.
Bjugstad filled in nicely on the top unit Saturday, contributing two points in a 6-2 victory.
Florida draws Colorado on Tuesday.
