Barkov is expected to return to the lineup Thursday after missing six games due to pneumonia. The Panthers' superstar had five goals, 13 assists, 74 SOG and nine PPP in 19 games prior to the unfortunate injury.
Barkov continues to battle an illness and will not start the trip with the team but could join the team when he's feeling better, according to head coach Paul Maurice. With Barkov out, the Panthers recalled Aleksi Heponiemi from the AHL, and Sam Bennett will centre the top line.
Barkov has missed the Panthers' last four games and 12 of the last 13 but was on the ice for Monday's practice and is expected to play Wednesday. Barkov has scored 10 goals with eight assists (18 points) in 16 games this season.
As a result of the move, Barkov will be forced to miss Tuesday's game but is eligible to be activated for Thursday's game vs. the Kings. Barkov was placed on IR to open up a roster spot for them to claim Jonas Johansson off of waivers from Colorado.
Barkov has missed the last eight games with a knee injury but will play Tuesday in St. Louis. Barkov, who has 17 points (9G / 8A) in 15 games, will centre the top line with Carter Verhaeghe and Maxim Mamin on his wings.
Barkov took regular reps in Monday's practice and will travel with the team to St. Louis. The Panthers say Barkov could play as early as Tuesday--it would be his first game since November 16th. Barkov has nine goals and eight assists (17 points) in 15 games this season.
Barkov remains week-to-week with a lower-body injury. Head coach Andrew Brunette said that Barkov is skating and that they're reassessing him daily, but he's still likely a week or two away from returning.
Barkov suffered a lower-body injury on a knee-on-knee collision with Scott Mayfield on Tuesday. Barkov will not need surgery but is still expected to miss a couple of weeks. With Barkov out, Sam Bennett was on the top line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Anthony Duclair, while Anton Lundell moved up to the second line in Wednesday's practice.
Barkov missed Saturday's game vs. the Hurricanes but will be a game-time decision on Monday. Barkov was on the ice for the morning skate but skated on the "fifth line," so he looks like a true game-time decision.
Barkov is entering the final year of a six-year, $35.4M deal and is now signed through the 2030 NHL season. The $10.0M AAV cap-hit for Barkov represents a $4.1M AAV raise for the 26-year-old. Barkov is coming off of a season in which he scored 26 goals with 32 assists (58 points) in 50 games.
