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Florida Panthers News

The Panthers recalled Alex Petrovic from San Antonio (AHL).

Petrovic had no points in five games with the Panthers earlier this season, but then suffered an upper-body injury which cost him his spot with the big-club. He is back now with Erik Gudbranson out and has recorded two goals and 11 assists (13 points) in 43 games in San Antonio.

Alex Petrovic
Gudas (lower-body) is taking part in Lightning practice.

Gudas has missed the last four games, but was reportedly surprised he did not play on Monday. Skating again this morning is a good sign that the Lightning will get the NHL's fifth leading hitter (209) back on Thursday. Monitor his status following tomorrow's morning skate.

Radko Gudas
Eller will be back in the Habs lineup Thursday.

Eller served as a healthy scratch on Wednesday, but will get back into the lineup on Thursday vs. the Coyotes. Eller has struggled mightily as of late after a hot start to the season. In Eller's last 21 games he has recorded just one assist, his last goal was on December 31.

Lars Eller
The Panthers have traded Jacob Markstrom and Shawn Matthias to the Canucks for Roberto Luongo and Steven Anthony.

Markstrom, 24, was the 31st overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft. He has yet to assert himself as an NHL regular, but will get a chance now in Vancouver to share time with fellow countryman Eddie Lack. The two were teammates back with Brynas of the Swedish Elite League. Markstrom is 1-6-3 with a 3.52 GAA and .874 SV% with Florida this season, but has recently been playing with San Antonio (AHL) where he was 12-11-3 with a 2.56 GAA and .918 SV%.

Jacob Markstrom
Barkov (knee) is out indefinitely but will not need surgery.

There is no timetable for Barkov's return, but with only two months left in the regular season, he is expected to miss multiple weeks, his fantasy value heading forward is extremely limited. He has been excellent posting eight goals and 16 assists (24 points) in 54 games this season. In deep keeper leagues and dynasty leagues, Barkov appears to have great value and a bright future. Nick Bjugstad, the Panthers' other impressive rookie center, appears set to fill-in for Barkov and center the line with Sean Bergenheim and Brad Boyes.

Aleksander Barkov
Barkov will miss the rest of the tournament after sustaining a knee injury during last night’s match-up against Norway.

As if Team Finland needed another offensive setback with an already depleted line up, they will have to rely on their secondary scoring as their only source of offensive production. Luckily for Finland, most of their scoring over the past 2 games of the tournament has come from their 2nd and 3rd lines, respectively.

Aleksander Barkov
Barkov (lower-body) is doubtful for Friday's game.

Barkov’s absence means more ice time for Nick Bjugstad, center Drew Shore and Jesse Winchester. Barkov, who is the Panthers leading scorer with 24, was injured on Tuesday, but is not expected to miss an extended period of time. If he can't go tonight, look for him to return on Sunday against Detroit.

Aleksander Barkov
Rookie center Aleksander Barkov left late in the first period with an undisclosed lower-body injury and did not return.

Coach Peter Horachek said the injury isn't considered serious adding that Barkov was lifted from the game for precautionary reasons. Barkov, the second-overall pick of the 2013 draft, leads the Panthers in points with 24 in 50 games. Barkov is day-to-day and should be in the lineup on Friday vs. Colorado.

Aleksander Barkov