Aleksander Barkov, Brad Marchand could return to Florida within two weeks

Week-to-week (back). Fantasy hockey: Both remain on injured reserve with no firm activation date, so managers cannot use either player until Florida…

By Fantasy Roundup Staff · November 11, 2026

Panthers coach Paul Maurice told reporters on Tuesday that captain Aleksander Barkov and winger Brad Marchand could rejoin the lineup within two weeks. The pair skated with the team during morning skate in Columbus. Barkov sustained a lower-body injury on Oct. 1 against San Jose, while Marchand injured his left knee on Oct. 6 against Los Angeles when his left leg buckled into the post.

Both remain on injured reserve with no firm return date, so neither can help a fantasy roster until Florida formally activates them. Once they are back, Florida has four games left this week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday).

Fantasy impact

Player by player

Aleksander Barkov

Barkov cannot play while on injured reserve, so the news changes nothing for fantasy managers until Florida clears him. His recent averages show 1.11 points per game, 2.3 shots and 0.43 power-play points, built on 20:20 of ice time a night. He ranks first among all Florida skaters in power-play time at 3:21 a night, a sign of his hold on the top unit before the injury.

The two-week target suggests Barkov could be back later this month, but that remains speculative until the team announces a firm timeline. Managers in leagues with an injured reserve spot can stash him there while waiting for activation. Those without an IR slot should monitor Florida's injury reports closely for the moment he is cleared to return.

Brad Marchand

Marchand cannot play while on injured reserve, so the news is of no use to fantasy lineups until Florida activates him. His recent averages show 0.91 points per game, 2.8 shots and 0.35 power-play points across 17:53 of ice time a night. He ranks second among all Florida skaters in power-play time at 3:56 a night, anchoring the top unit. His underlying play grades 89 out of 100 among forwards in shots, scoring chances and ice time.

The two-week window gives managers a rough sense of when he might return, but no firm date exists. Those with an injured reserve spot can hold Marchand there while waiting for clearance. Without an IR slot, managers should track Florida's updates closely to ensure he is in the lineup before inserting him back into a fantasy roster.

What to do

• Keep Barkov on injured reserve until Florida formally activates him, then slot him into your lineup immediately for his elite point production and power-play role.

• Hold Marchand in an injured reserve spot and wait for the team to clear him before using him in your lineup.

• Monitor Florida's injury reports closely over the next two weeks for activation news on either player.

• If you lack an IR spot and need the roster space now, consider dropping a marginal piece to preserve either player's value once he returns.

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