The Florida Panthers announced Aleksander Barkov will be the team's new captain with a video they posted to social media Monday morning. we've got something for you to "C" pic.twitter.com/GDzllGtkvy — Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) September 17, 2018 The 23-year-old will be the 10th captain in Panthers history, following Derek MacKenzie, who is still on the team's roster. "Barkov is ready to be the captain of the Panthers," GM Dale Tallon said in a team press release. "He has all of the qualities of a great leader: unrivaled work ethic, wisdom beyond his years and the respect and admiration of his teammates. Aleksander's determination and passion for the game have made him one of the NHL's best and most complete players." Barkov has spent his entire five-year career with the Panthers after the team drafted him second overall in 2013. He finished with 27 goals and a career-high 78 points in 79 games for the team last season. In 331 career games in the NHL, Barkov has 100 goals and 149 assists. "Aleksander is the complete package," Panthers head coach Bob Boughner said in the press release. "He's a great person and a great player who leads by example both on and off the ice."<doc-sep>On the precipice of the Florida Panthers’ 25th Anniversary Season, Cats’ President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Dale Tallon announced the naming of Aleksander Barkov as team captain. “Aleksander Barkov is ready to be the captain of the Florida Panthers,” said Tallon. “He has all of the qualities of a great leader: unrivaled work ethic, wisdom beyond his years and the respect and admiration of his teammates. Aleksander’s determination and passion for the game have made him one of the NHL’s best and most complete players. The time was right for Aleksander to be named the captain of this franchise and I’m certain that he will bring the same high standard of class and dedication to the captaincy that he brings to the rink every single day.” Given the remarkable amount of praise for the young pivot in recent weeks by teammates, this announcement comes with little surprise. Rumors began to swirl when Derek MacKenzie was seen wearing a Cats sweater without the usual “C” sewn over the crest. This decision merely affirms the level of respect and admiration Barkov has garnered in the locker room due to his work ethic and workmanlike attitude. Barkov is coming off the heels of his most productive season as a professional, scoring 78 points in 79 games, leading the Panthers to a valiant second-half push that fell one point short of playoff qualification. A native of Tampere, Finland, Barkov was drafted in the 2013 NHL Draft at 2nd overall by the Florida Panthers. Entering his sixth NHL campaign, Barkov is signed through the conclusion of 2021-2022 season at a cap hit of $5.9M. Full press release by the Florida Panthers can be found here. Congratulations, Barky!<doc-sep>SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Aleksander Barkov is the best player in the Florida Panthers‘ dressing room. And so, it’s been no secret that his being designated as that room’s official leader was inevitable. His time has arrived. Barkov was announced as the 10th captain of the Panthers on Monday, with outgoing captain Derek MacKenzie ceremonially — and willingly — handing the 23-year-old Finnish star his first Florida jersey with a “C” stitched onto the shoulder. MacKenzie held the job for two years, always knowing that a member of the Panthers’ young core would take the role one day. “Their concern when we first kind of considered me being captain is that this day might come,” MacKenzie said. “But that was the least of my concerns.” Barkov is entering his sixth NHL season. He is coming off the best year of his career, with 27 goals and 51 assists for 78 points in 79 games, and he’s one of the biggest reasons why Florida believes it is finally on the cusp of becoming a consistent playoff contender. “I feel like I’m in the right place,” Barkov said. “I’m really happy.” He becomes the second-youngest current captain in the NHL, behind only Edmonton’s Connor McDavid. Among the other 20 captains in the NHL — not counting Barkov or McDavid, and taking into account that nine teams currently have captain vacancies — the average age is 32. “He’s our best player, game in and game out,” Panthers general manager Dale Tallon said. “Nobody works harder off-ice, his preparation is second to none and his attention to detail is second to none. He’s just 23 years old. He’s an amazing young man.” By Barkov’s own admission, he’s not much of a talker. But when he does speak, his words resonate among teammates. And MacKenzie, who has indicated that this season may be his last in the NHL, expects to see Barkov wearing the “C” in Florida for many years. “I think we’re all in a good place right now,” MacKenzie said. The Panthers, who started their preseason schedule with a Monday doubleheader against Nashville, begin their 25th regular season on Oct. 6 at Tampa Bay.<doc-sep>Over Florida's 25-year history in the NHL, Barkov joins a group of captains including: Brian Skrudland (1993-94 to 1997-98), Scott Mellanby (1997-98 to 2000-01), Pavel Bure (2001-02), Paul Laus (2001-02), Olli Jokinen (2003-04 to 2007-08), Bryan McCabe (2009-10 to 2010-11), Ed Jovanovski (2012-13 to 2013-14), Willie Mitchell (2014-15 to 2015-16) and Derek MacKenzie (2016-17 to 2017-18). "Aleksander Barkov is ready to be the captain of the Florida Panthers," said Tallon. "He has all of the qualities of a great leader: unrivaled work ethic, wisdom beyond his years and the respect and admiration of his teammates. Aleksander's determination and passion for the game have made him one of the NHL's best and most complete players. The time was right for Aleksander to be named the captain of this franchise and I'm certain that he will bring the same high standard of class and dedication to the captaincy that he brings to the rink every single day." "Aleksander is the complete package," said Panthers head coach Bob Boughner. "He's a great person and a great player who leads by example both on and off the ice. In discussing the makeup of our leadership group for next season over the summer, Dale and I felt that the time was right to turn the responsibilities of captain over to Aleksander before this season. He's learned a lot from Derek MacKenzie and our veteran leaders and I'm excited to watch him take on this challenge and responsibility. I know that he's the right person at the right time to lead this team." Barkov, 23, served as a Panthers alternate captain for home games during the 2017-18 season. A 2018 NHL All-Star, Barkov set career highs in assists (51) and points (78) in 79 career games during the 2017-18 season. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound native of Tampere, Finland has appeared in 331 career NHL games, all with Florida, producing 249 points (100-149-249). Regarded as one of the NHL's best two-way centers, Barkov finished fourth in voting for the 2017-18 Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game. Barkov was also was one of only two forwards in the NHL to average more than 22 minutes of ice-time per game, managed a career high face-off percentage (53.5%) and led the league in shorthanded goals (5) during the 2017-18 campaign. He is a two-time finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL player adjudged to have "exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability" (2016, 2018). "This is a tremendous honor and I'm excited to take on the responsibility of being captain," said Barkov. "I've been fortunate to be able to observe and work with quality leaders and captains like Ed Jovanovski, Willie Mitchell and Derek MacKenzie during my career. I love my teammates, we're a tight group and there are a lot of strong leaders in our room. I was very happy when Bob and Dale told me that I was going to be captain. It's a dream come true to see the captain's 'C' on my jersey." MacKenzie, 37, served as Panthers captain for two seasons from 2016-17 to 2017-18 and served as Panthers alternate captain for two seasons from his arrival in 2014-15 to 2015-16. The veteran forward ranked second among all Panthers forwards in short-handed ice time (172:35), managed a 52.1 face-off percentage and registered 14 points (3-11-14) in 75 games during the 2017-18 season. MacKenzie has appeared in 610 NHL games with Florida (2014-15 to 2017-18), the Columbus Blue Jackets (2007-08 to 2014-15) and Atlanta Thrashers (2001-02 to 2006-07), recording 125 points (51-75-125). "I'm grateful for Derek's leadership abilities, his character and the role he has played in mentoring our young players," said Tallon. "Derek has brought credibility and a sense of purpose to our organization from the moment he signed with the Panthers in 2014. The decision to make Aleksander captain is about turning this team over to our young core, but I know Derek will continue to be a significant contributor to our team's success this season, both on and off the ice." "I'd like to thank Derek for his dedication to our team, his character and the role he played mentoring our young players," said Tallon. "Over the past two years, he's led this team and shaped our young core, helping to set up our franchise for years to come. I know Derek will continue to be a significant leader and contributor to our team's success this season, both on and off the ice." The Panthers will announce the rest of their leadership group for the 2018-19 season at a later date. Join our territory and become a Season Ticket Holder to enjoy exclusive savings on select BB&T Center concessions, 25th Anniversary Discount at Pantherland store and priority access to BB&T Center concerts and events. Visit FloridaPanthers.com/TicketCentral or call 954-835-PUCK (7825) for more information.<doc-sep>
RALEIGH, NC - DECEMBER 02: Florida Panthers Center Aleksander Barkov (16) during a game between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on December 2, 2017. Carolina defeated Florida 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) What may have been a surprise to some has finally turned into a reality. The Florida Panthers have named Aleksander Barkov their new team captain. On Sept. 17, 2018, the Florida Panthers have announced that forward Aleksander Barkov will be the team’s 10th captain in franchise history. Drafted 2nd overall back in 2013, Barkov has featured in 331 NHL games, recording 100G, 149A, and 249 points. The Finnish native has come along way since his rookie season, turning into one of the best two-way forwards. In addition to his outstanding two-way play, Barkov placed fourth in voting for the 2017-18 Frank J. Selke Trophy, which is awarded to the NHL forward who best demonstrates the most skill in the defensive side of the game. Furthermore, Barkov has always displayed a sportsmanlike attitude to his game, finishing as a two-time finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2016 and 2018, respectively. Panthers GM Dale Tallon had nothing but praise about the newly appointed captain: “Aleksander Barkov is ready to be the captain of the Florida Panthers. He has all of the qualities of a great leader: unrivaled work ethic, wisdom beyond his years and the respect and admiration of his teammates. Aleksander’s determination and passion for the game have made him one of the NHL’s best and most complete players. The time was right for Aleksander to be named the captain of this franchise and I’m certain that he will bring the same high standard of class and dedication to the captaincy that he brings to the rink every single day.” Tallon wasn’t finished there as he chatted about Derek MacKenzie’s tenure as team captain, as well as what this decision means for the future: “I’m grateful for Derek’s leadership abilities, his character and the role he has played in mentoring our young players. Derek has brought credibility and a sense of purpose to our organization from the moment he signed with the Panthers in 2014. The decision to make Aleksander captain is about turning this team over to our young core, but I know Derek will continue to be a significant contributor to our team’s success this season, both on and off the ice. “I’d like to thank Derek for his dedication to our team, his character and the role he played mentoring our young players. Over the past two years, he’s led this team and shaped our young core, helping to set up our franchise for years to come. I know Derek will continue to be a significant leader and contributor to our team’s success this season, both on and off the ice.” HC Bob Boughner also expressed his excitement towards the team’s new captain: “Aleksander is the complete package. He’s a great person and a great player who leads by example both on and off the ice. In discussing the makeup of our leadership group for next season over the summer, Dale and I felt that the time was right to turn the responsibilities of captain over to Aleksander before this season. He’s learned a lot from Derek MacKenzie and our veteran leaders and I’m excited to watch him take on this challenge and responsibility. I know that he’s the right person at the right time to lead this team.” And finally… how about we hear from the man himself, Aleksander Barkov. Barkov had this to say about the new leadership role: “This is a tremendous honor and I’m excited to take on the responsibility of being captain. I’ve been fortunate to be able to observe and work with quality leaders and captains like Ed Jovanovski, Willie Mitchell and Derek MacKenzie during my career. I love my teammates, we’re a tight group and there are a lot of strong leaders in our room. I was very happy when Bob and Dale told me that I was going to be captain. It’s a dream come true to see the captain’s ‘C’ on my jersey.” This decision couldn’t have come at a better time as Barkov is ready to take over as the team’s commander. He may not have been my No.1 choice for team captain, but he was certainly on my list of candidates.