Maple Leafs Suddenly Gain Advantage After Major Injury Update on Division Rival
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could find themselves with a huge advantage heading into the season after news on Aleksander Barkov's injury spells bad news for Florida.
With Matthew Tkachuk already expected to be out for several months after recovering from surgery, it seems like things for the Florida Panthers have gone from bad to catastrophic.
Captain Aleksander Barkov was injured during his first full training camp practice on Thursday, and needed assistance off the ice. What looked like a terrible injury had an air of hope that perhaps it wasn't as bad as initially thought.
UPDATE
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, Barkov is expected to miss seven to nine months after undergoing surgery on both his ACL and MCL putting his Olympic hopes on the shelf, and potentially his whole season.
How Barkov's Absence Shifts the Atlantic Division Picture
However according to several sources including Elliotte Friedman; there's potential for Barkov to miss the entirety of 2025-26:
It's a terribly unfortunate situation for the entire Panthers organization as they look for a three-peat and are suddenly without their captain and rugged two-way offensive force.
However we quickly had news that Barkov's injury is indeed as bad as it sounds, and the captain is going to miss the entire 2025-26 season according to Andy Slater of Fox Sports:
Barkov's absence makes the Atlantic Division something of a true wild card now, as Florida is going to need every player to help; and play above and beyond what they are already doing.
Barkov, 30, has been Florida's captain and foundation since being drafted second overall in 2013, and was crucial in their ascension up the standings and becoming that dynasty over the past few seasons.
In 804 games he's posted 782 points (286 goals, 496 assists) a plus-124 rating and only 164 PIM; he's a 3x Selke winner, a 2x Lady Byng winner, and won back-to-back Cups with Florida in 2024 and 2025.
What This Means for the Maple Leafs' Early-Season Push
If the Maple Leafs wanted a break going into the regular season, they certainly got one but have to capitalize.
With Barkov out for the year, and Matthew Tkachuk gone until at least December, that gives Toronto at least two months to start strong.
Given that now it feels like it's a much easier task to dispatch the Panthers, and with Tampa Bay and perhaps Ottawa or Montreal making a push, it really is Toronto's division to lose.
One thing that might hold the team back though is their goaltending, as Joseph Woll is out indefinitely and there's concerns with Anthony Stolarz's injury history.
Toronto has a chance to do something special this season, and with Florida now missing arguably the glue that holds the team together: This might just be the year.
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