Panthers Injury Update: Mikkola, Reinhart, Marchand & More – Timeline & Updates
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice confirmed Monday that defenseman Niko Mikkola will miss four to six weeks with a knee injury sustained during Friday’s 4-1 loss to the Calgary Flames. The injury occurred after a collision with Flames forward Ryan Strome in the third period.
Maurice indicated that Mikkola will not require surgery, a relief for the team given the severity of the initial impact. “We’re really relieved on that,” Maurice said, according to multiple reports. Mikkola had logged 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 68 games this season, along with 116 hits and 81 blocked shots. He recently signed an eight-year contract extension with the team in October.
The Panthers are already dealing with a significant number of injuries as they approach the complete of the regular season, with 13 games remaining before April 15th, when they face the Detroit Red Wings. Maurice joked that the team has created a spreadsheet to track the growing list of sidelined players.
Forward Sam Reinhart remains a question mark for Tuesday’s game against the Seattle Kraken, having not traveled with the team on its recent road trip. Maurice stated Reinhart is undergoing further testing. “He’s testing tomorrow,” Maurice said. The coach also noted Reinhart has been dealing with “more than one thing” contributing to his current condition. Despite the injury, Reinhart leads the Panthers in both goals (29) and points (61) in 64 games played.
Uvis Balinskis is expected to be sidelined for a similar timeframe as Mikkola, with a fracture in his foot. Balinskis sustained the injury on February 27th against the Buffalo Sabres after blocking a shot. He has recorded 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 54 games this season, a career-best in terms of ice time at 16:22 per game.
Mackie Samoskevich is expected to be out for 7-10 days after suffering a deep laceration on his leg from a skate blade during Thursday’s win against the Edmonton Oilers. In 66 games, Samoskevich has 23 points (6 goals, 17 assists) and is second on the team with 25 penalties drawn.
Brad Marchand’s status remains uncertain as he continues to undergo evaluation for an undisclosed injury. He last played on March 6th and is currently consulting with doctors to determine a rehabilitation plan. Maurice stated Marchand “had his tests, sent them to the doctor, and now he’s doing a doctor tour.” Marchand has 54 points (27 goals, 27 assists) in 52 games this season.
Anton Lundell is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury and has not yet resumed skating. Maurice indicated the injury is not severe, but Lundell is not currently fit to play. He has 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) and a team-high 580 faceoffs won in 64 games.