Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov returning to lineup Monday against Sabres

The Florida Panthers are getting their captain back.

When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Paul Maurice revealed that forward Aleksander Barkov will return to the lineup in the team’s matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.

Barkov was seen participating with the main group during morning skate on Monday on the top line with Evan Rodrigues and Sam Reinhart.

The Finnish center has been out of the lineup since he was injured in the closing minutes of the Panthers’ 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Oct. 10. Barkov was hurt while trying to stop an empty-net goal. He was presumed out for the next 2-3 weeks with a lower-body injury.

Coincidentally, the first game Barkov missed was against the Sabres, in Buffalo, on Oct. 12.

Barkov’s return is certainly good news for both the Panthers and Barkov. The team is set to travel to Tampere, Finland, the 29-year-old’s hometown, this week for a couple of games against the Dallas Stars in the NHL Global Series.

The second-overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft has appeared in just two games this season, registering an assist in Florida’s season-opening win over the Boston Bruins on Oct. 8.

Even in Barkov’s absence, the Cats have been playing well. In their attempt to wane off the “Stanley Cup Hangover,” Florida has won six of its first 10 games, with their 13 points placing them in a tie for second in the Eastern Conference with the New York Rangers. The Panthers’ .650 winning percentage is also the best in the Atlantic Division.

The Panthers are set to play the Sabres at 7 p.m. ET on Monday. Their two games in Finland are scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Friday, and 11 a.m. ET on Saturday.

In 739 career games, Barkov has scored 266 goals and 446 assists for 712 points. He has also totaled 59 points in 71 postseason appearances.