Panthers’ Barkov to IR, out 2-3 weeks with lower-body injury

Aleksander Barkov would leave the game and not return after taking this shot to the ribs.

The Florida Panthers have placed forward Aleksander Barkov on injured reserve, as he will miss two to three weeks with a lower-body injury, head coach Tom Rowe said on Thursday.

During the second period of the Panthers’ shootout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, Barkov took a point shot from teammate Keith Yandle to the ribs. He did not return.

After the game, Rowe had said Barkov would only miss a few days, but now it appears the injury is more serious than originally expected.

The 21-year-old leads the Panthers with 27 points (nine goals, 18 assists) this season.

In a corresponding roster move, the Panthers have called up forward Greg McKegg from the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds.

McKegg, 24, has two assists in 19 games with the Panthers this season.

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