Aleksander Barkov is back on the ice and the Florida Panthers finally see daylight

George Richards reported Barkov hit the ice Tuesday with Dmitry Kulikov, Jonah Gadjovich, and Tomas Nosek in a post-skate workout group.

It's not a lineup return, but it's a real step, especially with Barkov still working back from major knee surgery.

This is the second public «Barkov on skates» moment of the month, after that Winter Classic week glimpse in Miami.

Paul Maurice even tried to calm expectations then, calling it basically a «normal Sunday walk» more than anything close to practice.

Richards' longer update also made it clear Tuesday wasn't some secret comeback plan. Barkov looked a bit ginger early, then opened up his stride, and it still doesn't point to anything imminent.

But the timing matters for the room, because Florida has already felt the jolt of getting key forwards back into the mix lately.

If you're a Panthers fan, just seeing the captain moving again hits like a deep exhale.

Maurice has said injured guys showing up around the group boosts morale, and you can feel why, it reminds everyone help is coming.

The practical side matters too, because the Panthers have been living in roster puzzle mode all season without Barkov and Nosek.

Florida Hockey Now reported Kulikov and Gadjovich are viewed as post-Olympic-break possibilities, which is the kind of depth boost that changes how a coach rolls pairs and bottom lines.

Nosek and Barkov sit in the tougher category, longer runway, more patience, and more careful management.

There's also the cap chess in the background, because Barkov's eventual status impacts how aggressive Florida can be with replacements down the stretch.

For now, the headline is simple: Barkov is on the ice, the rehab is moving, and the Panthers get to carry momentum with a little more hope attached.