Injury Update: Paul Maurice on Barkov and Marchand

Paul Maurice says the Panthers are within two weeks of getting Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand back, per Mark Scheig.

The coach said it at his pregame media session in Columbus, where Florida (9-7-2) tries to stop a two-game skid tonight. It's the first real window on the return of two core forwards, and it comes from the man running the bench.

Scheig relayed Maurice's words that the team thinks it is "within two weeks" of having both players back.

Beat writer Goldieonice added that the morning skate showed another step for both Barkov and Marchand on the ice. Both have been traveling with the team on this road trip, which is a good sign in itself.

The sheet shows how little the Panthers have had of them. Barkov has played 2 games this season without a point. He sits at 496 career assists, 4 short of 500. The latest injury report lists him on IR with a knee injury, expected out until at least Nov 27.

Maurice's earlier clock on Barkov and Marchand had pointed to a gradual return. Marchand has played 2 games and scored 1 goal. He is listed on IR with a knee injury, expected out until at least Nov 21. Those dates are estimates, and Maurice's "two weeks" is the more current word.

## What the Panthers lose and gain tonight

Down the middle, the lineup tonight tells the story. Doug Plagens reported that Jack Devine is in, and the plan puts him on the third line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell.

Devine is a 2022 seventh-round pick with 6 career games and no points. He is not a solution for a team averaging 56 goals in 18 games. He is a body to fill a hole.

Jacob Markstrom starts in net, per Maurice. That matters for a group that has scored 1 goal in its last game, a 4-1 loss at Boston on Sunday.

The other news hit the wing. Jameson Olive relayed that Sandis Vilmanis did not skate today, and Maurice said the team will see where he is Thursday when he is back on the ice.

Tom Wilson's boarding hit on Vilmanis in Washington last Saturday has done its damage, and Wilson avoided suspension.

Vilmanis has 7 points in 16 games, a young winger who had been finding his footing before the hit. Losing him while Barkov and Marchand are still out leaves Florida stretched thin up front. No return date or diagnosis has been given for him.

The Panthers have a decision coming Thursday on Vilmanis, and Maurice's two-week clock on his two stars keeps running.

Quick hits

COLORADO AVALANCHECorey Masisak reports Mackenzie Blackwood was the first goalie off the ice for the Avalanche in Toronto this morning. A strong hint, not a confirmation.

DALLAS STARSMiro Heiskanen was not on the ice at Stars practice this morning, according to beat writer Robert Tiffin. Still no answer on his situation.

WINNIPEG JETSDawson Mercer popped onto the Devils' bench at the end of their morning skate in Winnipeg to say hi to his old teammates. A nice moment.

ST. LOUIS BLUESMatthew DeFranks reports from the morning skate that Joel Hofer gets the net for the Blues tonight against the Red Wings.

MINNESOTA WILDThe Canadiens confirmed Jacob Fowler will start in goal tonight against the Wild, per the team's official account.

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence, based on public reports and official sources.