Panthers return stronger after Olympic break with key players nearing comeback
The Florida Panthers are set to resume their 2025-26 NHL season after the Winter Olympics break. With a current record of 29 wins, 25 losses, and 3 overtime defeats from 57 games, the team prepares for a tough return against division rivals. Several injured players have made progress, raising hopes for reinforcements in the coming weeks.
The Panthers will kick off their post-break schedule with back-to-back games: first against the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 26, followed by a clash with the Buffalo Sabres the next day. Both matches mark a quick return to divisional competition.
Key players have been recovering during the pause. Defenceman Dmitry Kulikov and forward Tomas Nosek joined full team practice after the break, wearing yellow no-contact jerseys. Their return could happen as early as the Toronto game, with the road trip offering a likely window for their comeback. Forward Jonah Gadjovich may also rejoin the lineup during this stretch.
Goaltender Daniil Tarasov, who left the final pre-break game against Tampa Bay with a lower-body injury, has now been cleared to play. Meanwhile, Aaron Ekblad, Brad Marchand, and Evan Rodrigues are all expected to be available for the restart. However, captain Aleksander Barkov and defenceman Seth Jones remain further from a return, having skated separately before Saturday's session.
The Panthers enter a critical phase with multiple players nearing a comeback. Kulikov, Nosek, and Tarasov's availability could bolster the roster for the upcoming road trip. The team's performance in the first two games will set the tone for their push in the season's final stretch.
