BUFFALO, N.Y. – Coach Paul Maurice of the Florida Panthers has confirmed that team captain Aleksander Barkov will make his comeback on Monday night against the Buffalo Sabres after being sidelined for eight games due to a lower-body injury.

Barkov’s return is eagerly awaited, especially as it comes just before the Panthers head to his native Tampere, Finland, for two matches against the Dallas Stars on Friday and Saturday, part of the NHL’s Global Series.

Barkov, a two-time recipient of the Frank J. Selke Trophy awarded to the league’s top defensive forward, sustained his injury when he collided with the boards while trying to block Tim Stutzle’s attempt at an empty-net goal during a 3-1 defeat against the Ottawa Senators on October 10. He resumed practicing on ice a week post-injury, but Maurice emphasized that the team took a cautious approach to ensure Barkov’s complete recovery before allowing him to return to play.

Without Barkov in the lineup, the Panthers, who are the reigning Stanley Cup champions, achieved a record of 5 wins, 2 losses, and 1 overtime loss, positioning them at the top of the Atlantic Division with a 6-3-1 overall record thus far this season.