NHL Media reported this morning that Brad Marchand may not return to the Panthers' lineup until next month.
Marchand has played just 2 games this season and scored once. Florida had given the room a finish line when Paul Maurice set return timelines for Barkov and Marchand last week, so this update stings.
NHL Media pointed to a longer read on his injury and recovery, but the post carries no diagnosis and no date. All that is confirmed is "next month."
The latest injury report lists Marchand on injured reserve with a knee injury, expected out until at least Nov. 21. That is an estimate, and "at least" leaves plenty of room.
Aleksander Barkov is on a similar path. He is listed on IR with a knee injury, expected out until at least Nov. 27, and he has played 2 games without a point. He is also 4 assists shy of 500 for his career.
Meanwhile, the Panthers keep winning. They beat Chicago 5-3 last night, and Sandis Vilmanis had four points while Sam Reinhart added three.
That leaves Florida at 9-5-2, fifth in the Atlantic Division, with 7 wins in its last 10.
Barkov and Marchand are keeping each other company
The rehab days are not all grim. Jameson Olive reported that Barkov said he has been enjoying spending a lot of time with Marchand while the two work their way back.
"I never thought I'd say that," Barkov smirked, according to Olive.
Our October 31 report on Barkov and Marchand being on schedule reflected the mood then. Today's word from NHL Media suggests the Marchand side of it may have slowed.
Florida should not rush a 38-year-old's knee. The depth is carrying the team through a long stretch without two core players, and that is the reason to be patient.
The next test is Saturday at Washington, where the Capitals sit 8-6-0 and have lost 2 straight. Marchand will not be on that trip, and the next injury update is the one that will say when he might be.
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