Panthers News

EASTERN ATLANTIC

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Aleksander Barkov, Brad Marchand Could Return in Two Weeks

Florida Panthers forwards Aleksander Barkov (knee) and Brad Marchand (knee) could be back in action in a couple of weeks. On Tuesday, both players skated with the team for the first time since early-season knee injuries. Their recovery is on schedule, and Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said they are expected to return "within two weeks." Lars Eller and Jack Devine will have reduced roles once Florida gets its two key forwards back. The return of Barkov and Marchand should significantly boost Florida's offense, adding fantasy appeal to everyone in the top-six group.

Yesterday

Sandis Vilmanis • LW • Panthers

Sandis Vilmanis Expected to Miss Time

Florida Panthers left wing Sandis Vilmanis (undisclosed) will miss at least two games, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports. The Latvian forward was injured on Saturday when Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson sent him head-first into the boards. Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said Vilmanis will be properly evaluated when the team returns home from its three-game road trip. Florida will make its second stop on Sunday against Boston. Vilmanis has notched seven points (three goals, four assists) in 16 games this season. His absence will open a top-six spot, and Florida must also adjust its second power-play unit.

4 days ago

Anton Lundell • C • Panthers

Anton Lundell Questionable Sunday

Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (undisclosed) is questionable for Sunday's matinee against the Boston Bruins, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports. Lundell's status is uncertain after he missed his first game of the season on Saturday against Washington. He was labeled day-to-day before the game, so Lundell isn't expected to be out long-term, and his absence could be limited to one game. Lundell recently scored a hat trick, bringing his season total to six points. He has four goals and two assists in 16 games, making him a low-end fantasy contributor.

4 days ago

Sandis Vilmanis • LW • Panthers

Sandis Vilmanis Racks Up Four Points Versus Blackhawks

Florida Panthers left wing Sandis Vilmanis recorded a career-high four points in Wednesday's 5-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. He finished with two goals and two assists. Vilmanis matched Sandis Ozoli s' Latvian single-game scoring record. While this was a special night for the 22-year-old Riga native, Vilmanis doesn't make an offensive impact very often. He has seven points (three goals, four assists) in 15 games. Vilmanis will be bumped out of the top six in a few weeks when Aleksander Barkov (knee) and Brad Marchand (knee) rejoin the lineup.

7 days ago

Jacob Markstrom • G • Panthers

Jacob Markstrom Back in Action Monday

Florida Panthers goaltender Jacob Markstrom (upper body) will return to the crease on Monday against Detroit. He's been unavailable for five games since sustaining an upper-body injury at practice. Markstrom's second stint in Florida is off to a good start. He carries a 3-1-1 record and has posted a 2.21 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and one shutout. On Monday, Markstrom faces a dangerous Detroit team that has averaged 3.57 goals over the last seven games.

Nov 2

Aleksander Barkov • C • Panthers

Aleksander Barkov Back on the Ice

Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (knee) resumed skating on Wednesday, George Richards of NHL.com reports. The Panthers captain has been sidelined since injuring his left knee against San Jose on Oct. 1. He remains around four weeks away from returning to action, but it's a great sign for the Panthers that Barkov is back on the ice. Brad Marchand (leg) also resumed skating this week and is nearing his return. He's expected back in approximately three weeks. Until the Panthers get their big guns back, Lars Eller and Sandis Vilmanis will continue in larger roles.

Oct 30

Gustav Forsling • D • Panthers

Gustav Forsling Exits Loss After Taking A Puck to the Face

Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (face) exited early against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. He was hit in the face by a puck late in the game. There was no update on Forsling after the game, leaving him questionable for Sunday's tilt against Chicago. Forsling's production has been underwhelming this season. He has recorded two points (one goal, one assist), 13 SOG, seven blocks, and five hits in 10 games. Niko Mikkola and Dmitry Kulikov will likely have busier times if Forsling isn't available over the weekend.

Oct 23

Jacob Markstrom • G • Panthers

Jacob Markstrom to Miss 1-2 Weeks With Upper-Body Injury

Florida Panthers goaltender Jacob Markstrom (upper body) has been ruled out for 1-2 weeks after he was injured at practice. The Swedish veteran will begin his absence on Wednesday against Buffalo. Early into the season, Markstrom has dealt with several health issues, starting just six games. He carries a 3-1-1 record. When in action, Markstrom has performed well, posting a 2.21 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and one shutout. With Markstrom out, Akira Schmid will have more work. Cooper Black is also an option in the Florida crease.

Oct 20

Jacob Markstrom • G • Panthers

Jacob Markstrom Returns to Panthers Crease Saturday

Florida Panthers goaltender Jacob Markstrom (undisclosed) has been named the starter for Saturday's matchup against the Seattle Kraken. He's ready to return to work after missing two games with an undisclosed health issue. Markstrom has started his second spell in Florida well, posting a 2-1-1 record, a 2.03 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage. With Florida a -200 favorite on Saturday, Markstrom is expected to pick up another victory, though it's a matchup against a hot team: Seattle has won five of eight games so far, going 4-1-1 on the road.

Oct 17

Jacob Markstrom • G • Panthers

Jacob Markstrom Unavailable Tuesday

Florida Panthers goaltender Jacob Markstrom (undisclosed) is day-to-day and won't dress for Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, according to Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site. Markstrom was pulled from Monday's loss to Buffalo after the first period because he "tightened up." Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said after the game that Markstrom had not sustained an injury, but the team will be without its No. 1 for at least one contest. Akira Schmid will start against the Blue Jackets, who are averaging 3.00 goals per game. Cooper Black will serve as his backup.

Oct 13

Jacob Markstrom • G • Panthers

Jacob Markstrom Fine Despite Early Exit

Florida Panthers goaltender Jacob Markstrom did not sustain an injury in Monday's loss to Buffalo, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports. The Panthers' No. 1 unexpectedly departed the game after the first period, finishing with nine saves. "There's no injury there," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said postgame. "There's nothing we can't deal with. Just standard stuff." Since Markstrom played only one period against Buffalo, he might be back between the sticks on Tuesday night against Columbus. The Swedish netminder has been in good early-season form, posting a 2-1-1 record, a 2.03 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage.

Oct 12

Eetu Luostarinen • C • Panthers

Eetu Luostarinen Fine for Monday

Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen (undisclosed) will be available on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports. Luostarinen took a puck to the leg late in Saturday's loss to Minnesota and didn't finish the game. However, he wasn't seriously hurt. After Sunday's practice, the Finnish forward said he would have returned if the incident had occurred earlier in the game. Luostarinen has recorded two goals, eight SOG, and nine hits in five outings this season. He operates in a middle-six role and on the second power-play unit.

Oct 11

Aaron Ekblad • D • Panthers

Aaron Ekblad Set to Return Saturday

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (personal) rejoined practice on Friday, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports. Earlier this week, Ekblad became a father and didn't play in the final two games of Florida's season-opening four-game road trip. Even without Ekblad, the Panthers did well, but he'll add even more quality to the team. Across the first two games of the season, Ekblad recorded one assist and two hits while averaging 20:55 of ice time. He will likely return to action on Saturday against Minnesota on the first defensive pairing, bumping Uvis Balinskis out of the lineup.

Oct 10

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Brad Marchand Officially Out for Six Weeks

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (leg) won't be available for six weeks, according to head coach Paul Maurice. Maurice provided a detailed timeline for Marchand's return on Friday after reports that he was set to miss a "few weeks." Marchand hurt his left leg on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings. He is expected to return to the ice in approximately three weeks. Injuries on Florida's frontline are set to give Lars Eller a spot on a scoring line for Saturday's clash with Minnesota. Eller has finished each of the last three games with an assist and now has a good opportunity to build on his form.

Oct 9

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Brad Marchand Set to Miss a "Few Weeks"

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (leg) will be out for a "few weeks," Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reports. The veteran star was injured in his second appearance of the season on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings. While it's not great that the Panthers must be without Marchand again, it's good news for the team that he is expected back within weeks, not months. According to Reynolds, Marchand could return sometime in November. The Panthers' frontline is also without Aleksander Barkov (lower body), giving more fantasy value to guys like Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen.

Oct 8

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Brad Marchand Suffers Apparent Knee Injury Tuesday

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand suffered an apparent knee injury in Tuesday's win over the L.A. Kings, George Richard of Florida Hockey Now reports. Playing in his second game of the season, Marchand was injured in the third period. He didn't put any weight on his left leg when he exited the ice. Florida has just lost Aleksander Barkov (lower body) for several weeks and might be without another key forward for a significant period. Sandis Vilmanis could have a larger role with Marchand out of the lineup, though he isn't an attractive fantasy piece.

Oct 7

Aaron Ekblad • D • Panthers

Aaron Ekblad to Remain Out Tuesday

Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (personal) is expected to remain out on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports. On Sunday, Ekblad was a late scratch against Anaheim, and he isn't ready to return, with the Panthers making no changes to their lineup. Uvis Balinskis moved into the lineup over the weekend, but he isn't a great fantasy option. He logged only 14:40 of ice time in Saturday's overtime loss. Seth Jones and Gustav Forsling will carry a heavy workload on Florida's back end.

Oct 6

Aleksander Barkov • C • Panthers

Aleksander Barkov to Miss 6-8 Weeks

Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (lower body) will miss 6-8 weeks. The Panthers captain was injured on Oct. 1 against San Jose and faces another spell on the sidelines after missing the entire 2025-26 season. "He's scheduled to be out 6-8 weeks, non-surgical rehab, and that's our best window," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. "Could be a little less, could be a little more, but we think 6-8 is the right rehab time." Barkov finished scoreless in the first two games of the season. His third appearance won't come until late November at the earliest. Sam Bennett and Anton Lundell are expected to see more ice time during Barkov's absence.

Oct 6

Gustav Forsling • D • Panthers

Gustav Forsling a Game-Time Call Sunday

Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling (upper body) is a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup against the Anaheim Ducks. The Swedish rearguard is dealing with an upper-body injury and was a late scratch on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. Forsling had a good start to the campaign, recording a goal, two SOG, two blocks, and three hits in Florida's season opener versus Carolina. Uvis Balinskis entered the lineup on Thursday night and is likely to retain his spot if Forsling isn't cleared to play against Anaheim.

Oct 4

Brad Marchand • LW • Panthers

Brad Marchand Set for Season Debut Sunday

Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand (lower body) will make his season debut on Sunday night against the Anaheim Ducks, Jameson Olive of the Panthers' official site reports. The veteran star was initially expected to miss significant time at the start of the season, but the Panthers are already bringing him back into the fold. It's a welcome boost for the team after losing Aleksander Barkov (leg). Marchand hasn't played for the Panthers since March 6. He tallied 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists) in 52 games. Maintaining a point-per-game pace may be a challenge for Marchand, but his scoring track record makes him worthy of fantasy consideration.

Oct 4

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