Aleksander Barkov out after knee injury in San Jose

Fantasy hockey: Florida's top center cannot play while injured, wiping out a 3-game week for a multi-category producer averaging 1.11 points a night.

By Fantasy Roundup Staff · October 2, 2026 · Updated October 2, 2026

Aleksander Barkov left Thursday night's game at San Jose in the second period after his left knee buckled during a scrum along the boards. The Panthers captain immediately exited the ice and is now listed as out.

Barkov cannot play while injured, erasing what would have been a 3-game week for Florida's top center. His recent averages of 0.31 goals and 0.80 assists per game made him a reliable point producer across all fantasy formats, and his 20:20 a night in all situations added peripheral value with 2.3 shots, 1.3 hits and 0.7 blocks per game.

Fantasy impact

Player by player

Aleksander Barkov

Barkov ranked first among all Florida skaters in power-play time at 3:21 a night, accounting for 0.43 power-play points per game. That top unit time now opens up for a teammate, with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen positioned to see increased opportunities. His absence removes 1.11 points per game from the Panthers' top line and primary power-play unit.

Fantasy managers rostering Barkov lose his production for Sunday and Tuesday games this week, along with a 3-game slate next week if he remains out. He cannot contribute from the press box, and there is no timeline for his return. Do not start him in any format until he is cleared to play.

What to do

• Bench Aleksander Barkov in all formats until he is cleared to return.

• Watch Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen for increased center minutes and potential power-play time.

• Look for waivers options with full-week schedules to replace Barkov's lost games.

Schedule this week