Is Aleksander Barkov one of NHL’s best?
His teammates believe he is
SUNRISE — Aleksander Barkov may have skated under the national radar in his first five years, but the Florida Panthers believe people are starting to catch on to something they’ve known for a while — he’s one of the best players in the NHL.
“He’s a bonafide superstar in my mind,” Panthers coach Bob Boughner said.
On Thursday, Barkov’s coach and teammates showered their star center with praise during the team’s media day at the BB&T Center. After last season’s performance, it’s easy to see why. The 23-year-old was sensational, scoring 78 points (27 goals, 51 assists) and earning All-Star Game honors.
The Panthers forward was also a standout on the defensive end, finishing third for the Frank J. Selke Trophy — handed out to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.
“I think he’s one of the top three players in the league,” Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck said. “The only two I’d put in the same category as him are [Penguins forward Sidney] Crosby and [Oilers forward Connor] McDavid. He’s the whole package. He plays both ends of the ice with the best in the league.
“His skill is second to none. You’ve seen it in his shootout moves, he can pretty much do anything he wants with the puck whenever he wants. He’s got size, speed and he plays the defensive zone — he should be up for the Selke [Trophy] every year.”
Florida goalie Roberto Luongo has played a lot of hockey in his 18-year career — 1,001 games to be exact — and he says Barkov is one of the best he’s suited up with.
“He’s probably the most complete player I’ve ever played with,” Luongo said. “Both ends of the rink. He’s so smart and strong. Always in good position. I’ve played with some great players, but the fact he’s so good offensively and responsible defensively. It’s tough to find guys like that.”
The second pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, Barkov has tallied 249 points during his five-year career on 100 goals, 149 assists. The 6-foot-3, 216-pound center will be in South Florida for the foreseeable future after agreeing to a six-year contract with the Panthers in 2016.
Barkov’s teammates were also quick to point out that his work ethic is second-to-none and has played a vital role in the team’s overall development.
“When you see your best player working harder than everyone in the league — everybody under that wants to do that and become what he is,” Trocheck said. “When you see a guy like [Barkov] staying after practice, shooting pucks. Doing that extra mile. It’s infectious for guys coming into the league.”
While his teammates were eager to praise their star center, Barkov was more reserved by nature — instead focusing on what he can do to push his team into the playoffs after falling one point short a year ago.
“It’s always nice to get recognized,” Barkov said. “Especially by those guys you spend the most time with. I’m happy to hear that and all I want to do is help [them] and I’m really happy to be on the same team with them.”
“All I want to think about is to go on the ice and help the team win. I don’t really think where I stand in Selke ratings. Of course it’d be nice to win that some day, but all I want to do is make the playoffs.”