Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad are easily the two best players on the Florida Panthers. The team will be relying on those two heavily, with hope that they reach the playoffs.
The Panthers will be banking on all the production they can get out of Barky and Ek. The two are the best in regards to their respective positions (Forward and Defense). Both, will have a tremendous amount of expectations heading into this season.
Both Barkov and Ekblad experienced injured riddled seasons last year. Aleksander, participated in only 61 games last year (2nd fewest behind his rookie campaign), while Aaron only took place in 68 games himself (fewest in his career thus far). Both will need to avoid the injury bug, if the Cats are ever going to succeed and make the postseason. The team cannot afford to have the two sidelined.
The next factor that comes into play is their production. In 61 games last year, Barkov put up 52 points (21G and 31A). In 68 games last season, Ekblad only finished with a career low of 21 points (10G and 11A). Barky had a great year statistically last season, and only needed to keep healthy. Aaron on the other hand ran into a lot of hurdles last year, and often struggled to find his true form.
If Barkov can remain in all 82 games this year, then there shouldn’t be any reason as to why he can’t become a point per game player. Maybe even more (will see). Ekblad though, will need to find instant chemistry with a consistent d-partner, that will allow for him to max out his production (both offensively and defensively). He’s had the whole summer to rejuvenate and clear his mind. Hopefully with a clear mindset, will get the old Aaron back.
Heading into this season, the Florida Panthers have decided to go “younger and faster”. In comes the new (younger players), and out goes the old (older players). With many new faces, both Barkov and Ekblad will even be counted on to lead off the ice too. Those two are now considered the “leaders”, and will no longer have their old mentors standing by their side.
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The two will be counted upon to deliver the results and to lead this team by example. Both Barkov and Ekblad will largely determine the Panthers’ fate this coming season, and will ultimately decide (in their play) whether the Cats are good enough to reach the playoffs or not.