Aleksander Barkov joins Panthers at loanDepot park practice for Winter Classic

Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald on Jan 1, 2026

Published in Hockey

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MIAMI — The Florida Panthers had a very welcomed sight on Thursday: Captain Aleksander Barkov, a little more than three months after having surgery to repair the ACL and MCL in his right knee, on the ice.

Barkov joined the Panthers for their practice session at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins, ahead of the team’s Winter Classic matchup against the New York Rangers on Friday (8 p.m., TNT).

Barkov was not in full gear — just a hoodie and pants — and a thick brace covered his right leg.

But the Panthers’ captain and arguably the NHL’s top two-way player glided slowly on the ice, working with skills coach Max Ivanov on the rink that covered the infield at the home of the Miami Marlins.

“He’s been working so hard just to get back to the ice,” Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling said. “And it’s amazing how quickly he’s on the ice now.”

What this means for Barkov’s timeline to actually returning to games remains unclear. The timeline given at the time of his surgery was seven to nine months. Florida is holding out hope that he’ll be able to return for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

“He’s not ahead of anything,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “It’s just the normal [progression]. It’s like a Sunday walk. He’s just moving around the ice, but it’s nice for him to be a part of it.”

Star winger Matthew Tkachuk, who like Barkov has not played this season, was also on the ice Thursday. He was a participant in Florida’s practice in a yellow non-contact sweater — similar to what he has been doing for about a week.

But Tkachuk will not take the ice Friday in the Winter Classic, Maurice said.

“Everyone knows where he’s at,” Maurice said, “but he won’t play.”