Jan 14, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center
Aleksander Barkov(16) skates with the puck against the New York Islanders in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers
With a pick that shocked a majority of the NHL, the Florida Panther selected Finish forward Aleksander Barkov with the 2nd overall draft pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.
A player that was expected to go in the 4-7 range, Barkov was expected to bring a lot of offensive talent to the struggling Florida Panthers organization, but things have not panned out yet.
After being rushed to the NHL in the 2013-2014 season, Barkov tallied just 24 points in 54 games played.
The numbers were nowhere near MacKinnon, and he was not a candidate for the Calder. That being said, the Panthers were hoping for a bounce-back year for their young forward.
So far this season, Barkov has performed worse than last season, while continuing to fight injury problems. In 28 games, Aleksander Barkov has just 7 points and is a -5.
It was a risk drafting Barkov with the #2. Florida has not benefitted from that risk yet, but could still in the future.
The question has to be asked if he was rushed to the NHL. At the age of 18, he was thrown in, but was it to early? We don’t know for sure, but hopefully he can get his career more in line as he enters his 20’s. Remember, he is still just 19 years old.
Next: 3rd Overall: Tampa Bay Lightning