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Florida Panthers Name Aleksander Barkov their New Captain

By Daniel Janicas

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)
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) /
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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.”"

Next. Which Winger Will Have a Better Season for Florida?. dark

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. Rest assured Panther fans, the Cats are being led by a true leader – from a guy who does his talking on the ice. What more can we ask of? None, if you ask me. 

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