Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov Cleared for Return After Season-Ending Knee Injury

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is fully healthy and ready for the upcoming NHL season after missing the entire 2025-26 season due to MCL and ACL surgery. Barkov confirmed his readiness at the NHL/NHLPA North American Player Media Tour, having successfully tested his knee by playing for Finland in the 2026 IIHF World Championship where he led his team to a gold medal.