Panthers Eliminated, New Champion to Be Crowned

Florida's injury-plagued season ends short of playoffs

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:03am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented hockey game, with sharp, overlapping shapes in vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors, conceptually representing the chaotic end to the Panthers' season.The Panthers' injury-plagued season ends with a new champion set to be crowned in the NHL playoffs.Sunrise Today

The Florida Panthers' 2025-26 NHL season has come to an end after a series of key injuries, including to captain Aleksander Barkov, Seth Jones, and Brad Marchand. With the Panthers eliminated, a new champion will be crowned in the upcoming playoffs.

Why it matters

The Panthers were expected to be a top contender in the Eastern Conference this season, but a rash of injuries derailed their campaign. Their elimination means the NHL will crown a new champion, ending the Panthers' hopes of their first-ever Stanley Cup.

The details

The Panthers' downfall can be traced to several critical injuries throughout the season. In training camp, captain Aleksander Barkov suffered a season-ending knee injury. In February, defenseman Seth Jones broke his collarbone and missed 26 games. Then in March, star winger Brad Marchand was shut down for the remainder of the regular season with an undisclosed injury.

  • Barkov suffered a season-ending knee injury at the start of training camp.
  • Jones broke his collarbone in February, missing 26 games.
  • Marchand was shut down for the season in March due to an undisclosed injury.

The players

Aleksander Barkov

The Panthers' captain and star center, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp.

Seth Jones

The Panthers' top defenseman, who missed 26 games after breaking his collarbone in February.

Brad Marchand

The Panthers' leading scorer, who was shut down for the season in March due to an undisclosed injury.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a frustrating season with all the injuries, but we have to look forward and get ready for next year.”

— Aleksander Barkov, Panthers Captain

The takeaway

The Panthers' injury-plagued season is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports. Despite high expectations, a rash of key injuries derailed their campaign, leaving the NHL with a new champion to be crowned in the upcoming playoffs.