Barkov out 2-3 weeks for Panthers with lower-body injury

Center injured after sliding into boards in loss at Senators on Thursday

Aleksander Barkov will be out 2-3 weeks for the Florida Panthers because of a lower-body injury.

The center left a 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday with 1:10 remaining in the third period after sliding into the boards during a fight for the puck with Senators forward Tim Stutzle. Barkov did not put weight on his right leg when he was helped off the ice and to the locker room.

Panthers coach Paul Maurice said Saturday the team is optimistic Barkov, who was born in Tampere, Finland, will return prior to the 2024 NHL Global Series Finland presented by Fastenal, when the Panthers play the Dallas Stars in Tampere on Nov. 1-2.

Forward Patrick Giles is expected to take Barkov’s spot in the lineup when the Panthers visit the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday (7 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, MSG-B).

Barkov, who has one assist in two games this season, tied for the Panthers lead with 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 24 Stanley Cup Playoff games last season to help Florida win the Cup.