The Panthers expect Aleksander Barkov to miss some time, and the only question now is how much.
Elliotte Friedman said Florida is hoping it won't be a lengthy absence. For now, the team lists him as day-to-day with a leg injury.
That's a better headline than the worst-case scenarios floating around after the knee scare in San Jose. Dr. Harjas Grewal's early read had pointed to a likely MCL tear, with an ACL also possible.
Friedman was also asked the obvious question: if Barkov is out long-term, do the Panthers consider trading for Dylan Larkin?
His answer stayed on the timeline. Florida's focus right now is on how long this lasts, and the hope is short.
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Detroit is watching closely. Larkin was booed at the Red Wings' home opener while introduced with the scratches, and Detroit dropped that game 2-0 to the Rangers.
Gustav Forsling's absence doubles Paul Maurice's problem in Anaheim
Barkov isn't the only one. Gustav Forsling is also day-to-day with an upper-body injury and expected out until at least Oct. 4.
That means Paul Maurice could visit Anaheim on Sunday without his top center and a key defenceman. The Panthers are 1-0-1 after a 4-3 overtime loss in San Jose.
Barkov carries a $10,000,000 cap hit, and the 31-year-old drives Florida's game at both ends.
Bill Zito shouldn't touch the Larkin market for a short-term injury. Paying a premium to cover a few weeks would be a bad trade, plain and simple.
It's like buying a second car because yours is in the shop for a tune-up.
If the news turns worse, the conversation changes fast. Detroit's asking price, per David Pagnotta, starts with a proven young top-six forward.
For now, "some time" is the phrase hanging over South Florida. Every update between now and Sunday decides whether Larkin stays a rumour or becomes a real option.
Should the Panthers trade for Dylan Larkin if Aleksander Barkov misses a month?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Dylan Larkin gets booed by entire Red Wings arena and walks off the bench
