Barkov injury could alter balance of power in Eastern Conference

"The devastating news surrounding Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov's injury has sent shockwaves throughout the NHL. Here's a player who's gone through everything and stood tall. He's withstood three straight Stanley Cup runs playing through just about every sort of injury hockey players can deal with. Yet, during a seemingly innocuous play, Barkov suffered a crushing knee injury that pretty much ended his season."

"The Panthers are now severely weakened by the absence of Matthew Tkachuk and Barkov. That's two top all-world players who will not be in the lineup this season. While Tkachuk could be back in December, the fact is that the Panthers risk losing so much ground that their playoff positioning could be in jeopardy. Meanwhile, other clubs like the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs could be licking their chops at the possibility of leaving the Panthers in the rearview mirror."

"As it stands, Sam Bennett will now be expected to emerge as the Panthers' top-line center. No offense to Mr. Bennett, but he'll be hard-pressed to fill some big shoes. He's hardly the elite two-way center that Aleksander Barkov is. While Bennett could have a big year offensively, the Panthers could struggle to adjust to their usual defensive system. Then, things get really thin from there."

Aleksander Barkov suffered a crushing knee injury that likely ended his season, with a Panthers' prognosis of seven to nine months. At best Barkov could return by April for the playoffs; at worst he might not return until the third round. The Panthers now enter the season deeply weakened down the middle alongside Matthew Tkachuk's absence. Sam Bennett is expected to assume top-line center duties but lacks Barkov's elite two-way game. Anton Lundell and other depth pieces will face increased pressure. Competing Eastern teams could capitalize on the Panthers' diminished roster and altered playoff positioning.

Read at Puck Prose