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Panthers take Kopecky off IR, place Barkov on it

aleksanderbarkovgetty

James OBrien

The Florida Panthers activated Tomas Kopecky from the injured reserve and placed rookie Aleksander Barkov (pictured) on it retroactively as they ready themselves for Tuesday’s match against the Boston Bruins.

The Miami Herald’s George Richards reports that Barkov, 18, is eligible to return from his knee injury as soon as Thursday, but is more likely to play against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday. Knee issues can be tricky, though, so we’ll see.

Those aren’t the only personnel moves worth noting, as Richards also reports that forward Shawn Matthias is a late omission because of the flu and defenseman Erik Gudbranson will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game.

The Bruins might be glad Matthias is out of the lineup, as he scored this shorthanded beauty against them last season:

Oh yeah, some might find it interesting that Tim Thomas is playing against the Bruins in Boston, too.

(You know, like 15 different NHL scouts, though they might be more interested in skaters than a goalie who supposedly isn’t on the trading block. Allegedly.)

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins