"We'll evaluate it as we go," Brunette said after Wednesday's practice. "Like I said, week to week."
One of the top players in the entire NHL, Barkov, who serves as Florida's captain and on-ice benchmark, had gotten off to a very productive start this season prior to his injury. Leading the Panthers in scoring, the 26-year-old had racked up 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) through his first 15 games played.
The defending Selke Trophy winner, he also currently leads the league's forwards with 22 takeaways.
"It's a huge loss for our team, but guys are going to step up," Panthers center Sam Bennett said. "We care about each other a lot in that locker room. I believe everyone's going to step up their game a bit."
Sitting atop the league's standings with an outstanding 11-2-3 record, the Panthers know they have the talent to weather the storm until Barkov returns. With Bennett taking his spot in the center of the top line during this morning's practice, rookie Anton Lundell moved up to man the middle of the second line.
Also getting closer to rejoining the lineup after dealing with an injury of his own, future Hall of Famer Joe Thornton was centering the team's third line, while Eetu Luostarinen was the pivot on the fourth.
"Barky's irreplaceable as well know, but we have guys that can step up," Brunette said. "We have guys that can be first-line centers in this league. We're very fortunate to have the depth we have through the middle of the ice, and even a Hall of Famer hopefully ready to play here soon. We feel comfortable."
While it won't be easy to replace Barkov's production at both ends of the ice, the Panthers are easily one of the deepest teams in the league on offense. Averaging the second-most goals per game in the NHL (3.88), their lineup boasts 11 different players that have registered at least eight points already.
"Everybody knows he's a big part of the team," Lundell said. "Everybody knows they need to step up."
Looking to improve to 9-0-0 at home, the Panthers will host the Devils at FLA Live Arena on Thursday.
