Sasha Barkov Back on the Ice for Injured Florida Panthers Practice

Panthers captain skates with other long-term injured players as recovery continues

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov was one of four injured players who took the ice for a post-morning skate workout at the IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale. Barkov, who underwent reconstructive knee surgery in September, skated alongside Dmitry Kulikov, Tomas Nosek, and Jonah Gadjovich as they continue their recoveries from various injuries. While Barkov's appearance on the ice was an encouraging sign, the team has said he is not expected to return until the postseason, if the Panthers do not place him on long-term injured reserve first.

Why it matters

Barkov's return to the ice, even in a limited capacity, is a positive development for the Panthers as they look to make a deep playoff run. The team has struggled with injuries this season, and getting key players like Barkov back healthy will be crucial to their championship aspirations.

The details

Barkov was joined on the ice by Kulikov (shoulder), Gadjovich (upper body/undisclosed), and Nosek (knee), all of whom are working their way back from injuries. Kulikov and Gadjovich are expected to return after the Olympic break in March, while Barkov and Nosek will likely be out a bit longer. Barkov's skating on Tuesday appeared a bit gingerly, indicating he still has progress to make in his recovery from the major knee surgery he underwent in September.

  • Barkov underwent reconstructive knee surgery in September 2025.
  • Barkov skated on the ice for the first time since his surgery during the Panthers' Winter Classic game on January 1, 2026.
  • Barkov returned to the ice for a post-morning skate workout on January 27, 2026.

The players

Sasha Barkov

The captain of the Florida Panthers who is recovering from reconstructive knee surgery.

Paul Maurice

The head coach of the Florida Panthers who provided updates on Barkov's recovery.

Bill Zito

The general manager of the Florida Panthers who has said Barkov is not expected to return until the postseason.

Dmitry Kulikov

A Florida Panthers player who is recovering from a shoulder injury.

Tomas Nosek

A Florida Panthers player who is recovering from a major knee injury.

Jonah Gadjovich

A Florida Panthers player who is recovering from an upper body/undisclosed injury.

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What they’re saying

“We need to get him out of the gym, and it's nice for the players to see. … Him being on the ice, he's not ahead of anything. It's just the normal, like a Sunday walk.”

— Paul Maurice, Head Coach

“The initial recovery time of 7-9 months remains intact and that Barkov would not come back earlier than that.”

— Bill Zito, General Manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Sasha Barkov's return to the ice, even in a limited capacity, is an encouraging sign for the Florida Panthers as they look to get their star player back healthy for a potential playoff run. The team has struggled with injuries this season, and Barkov's recovery will be crucial to their championship aspirations.