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Chicago Blackhawks' early on regular season opponents receive grueling injury news

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Sam Walker
September 27, 2025 (12:28)

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The Chicago Blackhawks week one regular season opening schedule has just gotten a lot easier, as two opponents in the Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens organization have been dealt crucial injury news on key pieces.

Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks' season schedule just got a whole lot easier, but not for good reasoning.

Longtime rivals, upcoming opponents, or even enemies, it's never good to see players go down with injuries.

Especially a team captain and a future star defenseman.

Blackhawks vs Panthers opening night matchup seemingly changes after Barkov injury

That's sadly been the case this week as the Florida Panthers, as they've delivered a crucial injury update:

"Florida Panthers Captain Aleksander Barkov suffered injuries to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) at yesterday's practice.

Today, he underwent successful surgery by Dr. John Uribe at Baptist Health Doctors Hospital.

He will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis.The expected recovery timeline for these injuries is 7 to 9 months."

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The Blackhawks face the Panthers in the opening night matchup on Oct. 7.

Chicago's home-opener at the United Center will come on Oct. 11 against the Montreal Canadiens, and they'll also be missing a key piece as defenseman David Reinbacher broke his metacarpal bone during a recent preseason match.

"Defenseman David Reinbacher (broken metacarpal bone) will be out for four weeks."

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We wish both players the fastest, and best recovery.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Blackhawks forward quietly underwent offseason surgery and will play through a major health battle

Chicago Blackhawks head coach addresses a Connor Bedard move that would be crucial for his game

A major development in Artemi Panarin being traded: The Rangers complete a move that they may regret

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 27 \| 149 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks' early on regular season opponents receive grueling injury news Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks will beat the Florida Panthers without Barkov on NHL opening night?
Yes	35	23.5 %
Maybe	40	26.8 %
No	74	49.7 %
List of polls

Chicago Blackhawks' early on regular season opponents receive grueling injury news

The Chicago Blackhawks week one regular season opening schedule has just gotten a lot easier, as two opponents in the Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens organization have been dealt crucial injury news on key pieces.

Blackhawks vs Panthers opening night matchup seemingly changes after Barkov injury

Do you think the Chicago Blackhawks will beat the Florida Panthers without Barkov on NHL opening night?