Aleksander Barkov, Brad Marchand 'Within 2 Weeks' Of Returning To Panthers Lineup, Per Paul Maurice

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice had a positive update regarding a pair of injured forwards.

Speaking on Tuesday after Florida’s morning skate at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Maurice was asked about the recovery of Sasha Barkov and Brad Marchand.

“Barky’s six weeks (from his injury) on Thursday, Marchy’s slightly under six weeks,” Maurice said. “They said somewhere between six and eight weeks, so I think were within two weeks of getting those guys back.”

Both players suffered similar lower-body injuries during the first week of the season; Barkov in game number two, Marchand two games later.

They each resumed skating at the end of October and have been gradually working their way back into form.

Recently, both Barkov and Marchand started skating with their teammates during formal workouts and practices.

They are on the road with Florida during the team's current trip in order to keep progressing toward a return, which we now know should be sometime this month.

Barring any setbacks, we should see Barkov and Marchand back in the lineup between now and Thanksgiving.

There are seven games during that span, including three straight at home leading up to Thanksgiving: Tuesday, Nov. 17 vs. Edmonton, Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. Buffalo and Wednesday, Nov. 25 vs. Ottawa.

You’ll notice, there are also several days between those games, meaning the Panthers will be able to hold formal practices at the Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale.

That means Barkov and Marchand will have every opportunity to get in the best possible work and recovery ahead of their respective returns.

We’ll see how things play out in the coming days and weeks.

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