Aleksander Barkov injury: Panthers captain suffers torn ACL, could miss entire 2025-26 season

Aleksander Barkov, the captain of the Florida Panthers, has suffered a torn ACL, which could sideline him for the entire 2025-26 NHL season. This is a significant blow to the Panthers, who have enjoyed back-to-back Stanley Cup victories with Barkov as their leader. The extent of Barkov's injury is still being evaluated, but a torn ACL typically requires a lengthy rehabilitation process, often taking several months to fully recover. The Panthers will have to navigate the upcoming season without their star center, who has been instrumental in the team's recent success. This news comes as a disappointment to the Panthers' organization and their fans, who have witnessed Barkov's leadership and skill on the ice. The team will need to rely on other key players to step up and fill the void left by Barkov's absence, as they work to defend their Stanley Cup title and maintain their dominance in the league.