Aleksander Barkov on the LTIR: Lars Eller is the Panthers’ new starting center

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov has been placed on long-term injured reserve following a knee injury suffered during Thursday's game. Barkov will miss at least 10 games and is scheduled to undergo further evaluation by team medical staff on Monday. In his absence, veteran center Lars Eller skated as the team's first-line center during practice, centering Brady Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice indicated that a definitive diagnosis will follow Monday's tests once knee swelling subsides. Despite the LTIR designation, there is reported optimism within the Panthers organization that Barkov's injury is not season-ending.