Aleksander Barkov Suffers Leg Injury in Practice

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov exited Thursday's training-camp practice after suffering an apparent right/lower-body leg injury, was helped off the ice and put little weight on his right leg while trainers tended to him; video of the play circulated. His status is uncertain pending imaging and medical tests the team expects to complete Friday, coach Paul Maurice said, and Maurice stressed the club must be prepared to win despite injuries beyond its control. The setback compounds early-season concerns as the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions already face prolonged absences for Matthew Tkachuk (expected to be out at least two months) and Tomas Nosek, testing the Panthers' depth. Barkov, a multi-time Selke Trophy winner and the franchise leader in goals, assists and points, faces an uncertain recovery timeline that could affect the team's push for a third straight title. The Panthers are finalizing lineups ahead of preseason games as they prepare for their Oct. 7 regular-season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks.