Aleksander Barkov pulled from lineup minutes before game vs. Chicago

The Florida Panthers are visiting the Blackhawks in Chicago tonight, and it looks like their captain Aleksander Barkov won’t be in the lineup. 

It has just been announced that the veteran forward is a scratch for the contest, despite getting on the ice for warmups. 

Of course with the trade deadline just around the corner, fans were quick to wonder if a move was behind all this, however, it seems like Barkov spoke with trainers during warmups and then left the ice. 

It could be an injury and Barkov is stepping out as precaution. 

More to come… 

UPDATE: The Panthers have confirmed that Barkov is out due to a lower-body injury.