Verhaeghe is set to miss his sixth straight game on Thursday and he's not expected to play until the Panthers' next homestand, which doesn't start until May 3rd. On Thursday, Patric Hornqvist will skate on the top line to be the latest player to replace Verhaeghe in that role.
Bjornfot has missed the last eight games with an undisclosed injury but will play Tuesday vs. the Ducks. Bjornfot has no goals and four assists in 19 games this season.
Bennett was acquired from Calgary on Monday and will make his Panthers debut tonight in Tampa. Bennett will centre the second line with Jonathan Huberdeau and Anthony Duclair on his wings. Bennett has 12 points (4G / 8A) in 38 games this season.
Kulikov provides almost nothing offensively but is a solid shutdown defenseman who can slot onto the Oilers' second pairing. The 6-foot-1, 204 lbs. Russian will likely replace Kris Russell in the top-4 and skate with Adam Larsson.
Barkov has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury but will play Saturday vs. the Blue Jackets. In addition to Barkov, the Panthers will also get Patric Hornqvist back, providing a huge boost to their top-6 and power-play. Barkov has had an outstanding season so far, scoring 13 goals with 24 assists (37 points) in 31 games.
Barkov will miss his sixth straight game but he was on the ice for the morning skate and it looks likely that he'll play Saturday vs. the Blue Jackets. Noel Acciari will stick between Carter Verhaeghe and Mason Marchment while Barkov is out.
