What Happened
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice told reporters Tuesday that starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom will be out 10-14 days after taking a puck to the body during Monday's practice. The team recalled Cooper Black from AHL Charlotte in a corresponding roster move. Markstrom, 36, is in his second stint with Florida after a June 30 trade from New Jersey. Black, who has not appeared in an NHL game, is positioned to make his debut.
Key Details
- Markstrom's absence is estimated at 10-14 days, per coach Paul Maurice.
- The injury occurred when Markstrom was hit by a puck in Monday's practice.
- Markstrom has a 3-1 record, .897 save percentage and 2.21 GAA in six games this season.
- Cooper Black was recalled from AHL Charlotte and has yet to play an NHL game.
- Black is six-foot-eight and has a .919 save percentage in three AHL games this season.
- Florida sits fourth in the Atlantic Division at 5-2-2.
What It Means
Markstrom had started six of Florida's nine games, so his short-term absence shifts the immediate workload to the team's other goaltenders. Black's recall gives the Panthers a six-foot-eight option with AHL experience but no NHL games. The 10-14 day window covers roughly four to six games depending on the schedule, making goaltending depth a short-term concern for a club holding a 5-2-2 record.
What's Next
Black could make his NHL debut during Markstrom's absence. The Panthers will manage their goaltending rotation until Markstrom is cleared to return, with his status likely reassessed within the 10-14 day window.