The Florida Panthers reveal the latest injury update on a key player, teammate of stars Matthew Tkachuk and Brad Marchand, during the 2024-25 NHL season.

Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers looks on against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on February 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

© Patrick Smith/Getty Images Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Florida Panthers looks on against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on February 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The Florida Panthers are in the midst of a four-game losing streak and are looking to reclaim their status as contenders for the 2024-25 NHL season. In the meantime, the team led by star Brad Marchand received bad news about a key player who has joined the injured list already headed by Matthew Tkachuk.

Marchand returned to the ice in the game against the Utah Hockey Club and provided a key assist on Sam Bennett’s overtime game-winning goal. In Florida, the team is still waiting on Tkachuk, who is expected to be available for the playoffs.

As they focus on getting players back, the Panthers have a setback to deal with regarding the status of their captain, Aleksander Barkov, who sustained an upper-body injury during Tuesday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens.

Barkov’s latest injury update

Florida’s head coach, Paul Maurice, described Barkov’s injury as “not serious,” but the Panthers’ captain joins a growing list of key absences that includes Matthew Tkachuk and Nico Sturm. This situation is forcing the team to reshuffle its offensive lines.

Aleksander Barkov

Aleksander Barkov the captain of the Panthers

Barkov missed Wednesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs and also sat out the matchup with the Ottawa Senators. He will be unavailable for the upcoming weekend game against the Detroit Red Wings as well. At this stage of the season, the Panthers are dealing with multiple injuries, shifting their focus toward getting the roster healthy in time for the playoffs.

When will Tkachuk play again?

Tkachuk suffered a groin injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February 2025. Since then, he has been sidelined and placed on long-term injured reserve. Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in March that they expect Tkachuk to return for the playoffs, but as of now, there is no official confirmation of his comeback.