Latest On Aleksander Barkov, Brad Marchand

The Panthers welcomed back two beloved veterans to morning skate today as Aleksander Barkov and Brad Marchand appeared. Joining the team on the road in Columbus sounds quite encouraging, although they’re mostly sticking around for leadership at this time and still needing a bit more time to get up to full speed. Head coach Paul Maurice speculated that the Panthers are “within two weeks” of getting them back. Clinging to a Wild Card spot early

in the season, it’s a step forward compared to last season’s disappointing result due to all their injuries. Still, the Cats could use a spark, 5-5-0 in their last 10 and currently right in the middle of the pack in the NHL.