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Huberdeau And Barkov Done For The Season?

January 19, 2017, 3:12 PM ET [25 Comments]
Dan Spiegel
Florida Panthers Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT


During a media teleconference with GM/interim head coach Tom Rowe this morning I asked if there was concern that either/both players could be lost for the season.

He did NOT say they are likely done, but gave a pretty straight answer considering the sensitivity around the topic.

"Those are two franchise-type players and we're certainly not going to rush them back," Rowe said. "They'll be back in the lineup when everybody feels they're ready to play. Yeah, you're always concerned about it [being season-ending], but we're not consumed with it every day. We're moving forward and playing with the guys we have, and when they're ready to come back, they'll be welcome. It'll be a huge boost to us."

My Panther colleague Alain Poupart then ran a story on NHL.com entitled "Panthers Top Forwards Could Miss Rest Of Season." While this is technically true, many in Panther nation are throwing their hands up in disgust as this is an inevitable reality.

Hold your horses.

You have guys like Erik Karlsson that come back relatively quickly from an Achilles injury, and then you have Huberdeau whose timetable keeps getting pushed back. He was initially expected back in mid to late February and now it's early March.

Barkov's injury was described as "lower body" since Dec. 29th, but today Rowe revealed it was upper body. What can almost assuredly be ruled out is a concussion. Outside of that it is still a mystery to what is ailing the talented center.

Rowe mentioned Barkov is working with a physical therapist every day but there is no timetable whatsoever for his return. In this case, the not knowing anything is the hardest part for fans.

In a season where no team can hold a candle to Florida in terms of devastating injuries to such key players, it would only make sense to lose both of them for the year. The cards are continuously stacked against the Cats in the health department. There is only so much All-Star Vincent Trocheck can do to keep this team afloat in the Atlantic Division.

Without Huberdeau and Barkov the rest of the way, making the playoffs will be extremely difficult. If they were to squeak in, another first round exit likely awaits.

It may be a tough pill to swallow, but chalking this snakebit season up to bad luck, get a decent draft pick, and rebound next season might be all that is left to look forward to in the coming weeks.

The sky is not completely falling, however. Patience is a valuable virtue right now, even in the face of a season ticking away.

The Huberdeau injury to end the preseason was bad enough. It's safe to assume no one could have expected the infirmary the Panthers have become.

Dan Spiegel
Florida Panthers Media
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