A virus is affecting the Florida Panthers players following their game in Edmonton

The Florida Panthers aren't going to have a healthy group for their game in Minnesota tonight, as many have fallen ill following their game in Edmonton.

According to head coach Paul Maurice, Aleksander Barkov has missed the last couple of games while dealing with an illness that has gone through the Florida Panthers locker room .

The team captain was on the ice for Wednesday's morning skate at Xcel Energy Center for his first practice appearance since Florida's 3-0 loss in Calgary last Thursday.

Maurice had seemed optimistic earlier in Edmonton that Aleksander Barkov might play against the Oilers, but the forward remained out of the lineup.

After Wednesday's skate, Maurice remained optimistic but went ahead and declared Barkov a game-time decision for the game against the Minnesota Wild.

While Barkov's possible return is a godsend for Florida, the Panthers will still be without center Sam Bennett, who's also been ill.

Sam Bennett gutted out Monday night's appearance against Edmonton despite illness but won't play Wednesday.

According to Jameson Olive, Barkov and Bennett got sick while on their trip in Edmonton, but Bennett was feeling good enough to take part in the game against the Oilers, however, it won't be possible for him to suit up tonight.

It's that time of year now with the weather being cold and the holidays approaching when many people are getting sick, but the team is hoping these key players won't miss too much important action.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission..

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