Monday, July 15, 2013

Florida Panthers Agree to Entry-Level Contract With F Aleksander Barkov

Press Release

SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers Executive VP & General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has agreed to an entry-level contract with F Aleksander Barkov (@barkovsasha95).

“We are pleased to have signed Aleksander,” said Tallon. “He is a mature, strong and skilled forward who plays well at both ends of the ice and strengthens our line-up down the middle. Aleksander is a creative and dynamic player who our fans will enjoy watching. We look forward to his contributions to our organization both on and off the ice.”

Barkov, 17, recorded 48 points (21-27-48) in 53 games with Tappara (Finnish Elite League) during the 2012-13 season, finishing second on his team in goals and points. He earned the No.1 ranking among European Skaters according to Central Scouting entering the 2013 National Hockey League Draft.

“I am very excited about signing my first NHL contract with Florida,” said Barkov. “I enjoyed meeting with the Panthers coaches, my future teammates and our fans at development camp last week. I will continue to train hard and look forward to competing for a spot on the team when training camp opens in September.”

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound center has represented Finland at each of the last two World Junior Championships. He recorded seven points (3-4-7) in six games during the 2012-13 tournament in Ufa, Russia. In 2011-12, Barkov became the youngest Finnish player ever to be selected to play in the World Junior Championships. During that same tournament, Barkov became the second youngest player to ever score a goal in the WJC competition at the age of 16, finishing with four points (1-3-4) in six games.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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