Barkov Skates with Panthers, Tkachuk Ruled Out of Winter Classic

Florida Panthers captain Sasha Barkov is not expected to be ready to play for another couple of months at least. Yet on Thursday afternoon, Barkov was on skates prior to the team’s NHL Winter Classic workout at LoanDepot Park in Miami.

Barkov, who had reconstructive surgery on his right knee after being hurt in a training camp workout, was spotted headed toward the ice in skates with a brace on his knee.

The Panthers had a skatearound at the ballpark at 1.

“We need to get him out of the gym,’’ Paul Maurice said, “and it’s nice for the players to see. … Him being on the ice, he’s not ahead of anything. It’s just the normal, like a Sunday walk. He was just moving around the ice. But it is nice for him to be a part of it.’’

Matthew Tkachuk will not play in Friday’s Winter Classic, but practiced in Miami as he has been doing the past week.

Tkachuk was again wearing a no-contact jersey after changing out of his game uniform for the team on-ice photo.

“We’re not working for the drama,’’ Maurice said. “Everyone knows where he is at.’’

Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk walks onto the ice at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Thursday afternoon. // Photo courtesy @FlaPanthers

On Thursday, the NHL announced it was inviting fans to help welcome the Panthers and New York Rangers to the Marlins’ park on Friday afternoon.

Fans can gather on NW 6 St. between NW 14-16 Aves. on the west side of the park.

Former Panthers defenseman and NHL Network’s Jason Demers will be there to interview players as they head in.

The Rangers are expected to arrive at approximately 4:45; the Panthers around 5:15.

Game time is scheduled for after 8.

ON DECK: GAME No. 40

THE 2026 NHL WINTER CLASSIC

NEW YORK RANGERS at FLORIDA PANTHERS

• When: Friday; 8 p.m.
• Where: LoanDepot Park, Miami
• National TV: TNT/truTV (US); Sportsnet/TVA (Canada)
• Streaming: HBO Max
• Radio: WQAM; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
• Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 931 or 932, NHL App
• Last Season vs. Rangers: Panthers Won 2-1
• This Season vs. Rangers — At Panthers: Winter Classic; April 13. At Rangers: March 29.
• All-time Regular Season Series: Rangers lead 62-36-8, 6 ties
• Postseason History: Rangers won 4-1 (1997, 1st round); Panthers won 4-2 (2024 ECF)
• Up Next for the Panthers: Sunday vs. Colorado Avalanche, 5 p.m.