Aleksander Barkov injured, gets helped off the ice

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Finnegan Frost
October 10, 2024 (8:29 PM)

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The reigning Stanley Cup champions are in hot water early on as their captain Aleksander Barkov suffers a nasty injury.

According to TSN, Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov left Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators in the final minutes with an apparent lower-body injury.

Barkov, 29, was hurt with just over a minute left in the third period after he got tangled up with Senators forward Tim Stutzle while trying to prevent an empty net goal. Stutzle scored on the play to cement the victory for the Senators while Barkov went feet first into the boards and needed assistance to get off the ice

Panther's head coach Paul Maurice didn't have a clear update on his captain's condition, telling reporters that the team's medical staff will assess throughout the night and on Friday. Barkov recorded 23 goals and 80 points in 73 games last season and has an assist in two games this week.

This is a devastating blow for the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Although Edmonton Oilers fans aren't typically sympathetic to the Florida Panthers, it's never good to see a player being assisted off the ice. Barkov went full steam ahead into the boards, and you can tell just by the video that his leg twisted in a nasty direction. It was definitely a cringe worthy scene, and Barkov was clearly in serious pain.

The former Selke Trophy winner is known for being a warrior on the ice, and one can only assume the injury is fairly serious as Barkov needed wasn't able to get off the ice without assistance. Although the Ottawa Senators ended up with the win, you could tell the crowd was genuinely concerned for Barkov's well being as they applauded him off the ice.

As it stands, no update has been given on the Florida captain yet, but Oilers Insider will be keeping close tabs on the situation for further official announcements.