Barkov knee surgery after ACL and MCL tears, 7-9 month recovery

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov underwent surgery Friday to repair a right knee injury sustained Thursday during the team’s training camp practice in Fort Lauderdale, the club said. The team announced that Barkov tore both the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his right knee and faces an expected recovery window of seven to nine months, a timeline that would likely sideline him for most or all of the regular season.

The injury occurred in the first practice that brought the Panthers’ full projected NHL roster together. Team video and accounts of the session show Barkov colliding with defenseman Niko Mikkola, landing awkwardly on his right leg and requiring assistance to leave the ice. Coach Paul Maurice confirmed Friday that Barkov was in surgery and said more detailed medical information would be released when available.

There is widespread concern within the organization that Barkov could miss significant time. Maurice emphasized the practical challenge for the club, saying the team must find ways to win without key players and noting there is no direct replacement for Barkov’s role. General manager Bill Zito described the development as a...