Aleksander Barkov Injury Update: What Happened to Aleksander Barkov?
by A Maria
Updated May 23, 2023
Who is Aleksander Barkov?
Aleksander Aleksandrovich "Sasha" Barkov, born on 2 September 1995, is a highly skilled Finnish professional ice hockey center who currently serves as the captain of the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was chosen by the Panthers as the second overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Barkov's father, Alexander Barkov Sr., was a former Russian hockey player, and as a result, Barkov holds dual citizenship of Finland and Russia.
Known for his exceptional abilities on both ends of the ice, Barkov is widely recognized as an elite two-way center and is highly regarded as one of the best defensive forwards in the sport. In 2021, he was honored with the prestigious Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward.
Born and raised in Tampere, Finland, Barkov's connection to the world of hockey was established early in life. His father was playing for Tappara, a team in the Finnish SM-Liiga, during his formative years. Barkov followed in his father's footsteps and joined Tappara's junior system, honing his skills and developing his passion for the game.
Eventually, he progressed to the professional level, making his debut in the Finnish Elite League while still affiliated with Tappara. Today, Barkov continues to make significant contributions to the Florida Panthers as their captain, leading the team both on and off the ice. His exceptional playmaking abilities, defensive prowess, and leadership qualities have earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. Barkov's remarkable journey from Tampere to becoming a prominent figure in the NHL underscores his talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport of ice hockey.
Aleksander Barkov Injury Update
In the third game of the series between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes, the Panthers' star player, Aleksander Barkov, was forced to leave the game in the first period due to a lower-body injury. As reporters sought an update on Barkov's condition, head coach Paul Maurice responded in a rather elusive manner.
Barkov's injury occurred midway through the first period when he cleared the puck from his own zone after receiving a light check from Hurricanes forward Jack Drury. During the post-game press conference, Maurice chose not to provide a straightforward update on his captain's status. Instead, he made a lighthearted comment, stating that Barkov was attending a bar mitzvah, playfully suggesting that he didn't want to disappoint the children at his neighbor's celebration.
It is evident that Maurice's response was meant to be disingenuous. While Maurice's remark may not offer a concrete update on Barkov's injury, it does provide some comfort for Panthers fans to see their coach addressing the situation in good spirits. The jovial response could be interpreted as an indication that Barkov's injury might not be severe, potentially increasing the chances of his return to the ice in the near future.
What Happened to Aleksander Barkov?
During Game 3, Aleksander Barkov, the Florida Panthers' star player, was forced to leave the game after being hit into the boards by Hurricanes center Jack Drury. Initially appearing as a routine hit, Barkov did not return for the remainder of the period and was notably absent when the second period began. The team officially listed Barkov as questionable to return due to an undisclosed lower-body injury. Although Barkov seemed to be favoring his arm initially, the Panthers later confirmed that the injury specifically affected his lower body. No further details regarding the nature or severity of the injury were disclosed.
In Barkov's absence, Eetu Luostarinen stepped in to fill his role on the Panthers' top line. While Luostarinen had an impressive regular season with 43 points, including 17 goals, the team and its fans anxiously await updates on Barkov's condition. As the franchise's all-time leader in points, Barkov's potential prolonged absence due to injury would undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team's performance. The Panthers and their supporters are holding their collective breath, hoping for a swift recovery for their star player.
How Long is Aleksander Barkov Out For?
According to coach Tom Rowe, Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov will be sidelined for a period of 2-3 weeks due to an undisclosed injury. This announcement came after the Panthers' 3-2 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Barkov's injury occurred during the second period of a shootout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was struck on the side by a slap shot from his teammate Keith Yandle. However, Rowe clarified that the injury was not related to Barkov's ribs, contrary to earlier speculations.
Rowe revealed that Barkov had been dealing with this injury even before the game against Toronto, and the center had been playing through it. The exact nature of the injury was not disclosed, but Barkov underwent an MRI examination to assess the extent of the damage. Despite the injury, Barkov has been a key player for the Panthers, leading the team with 27 points in 36 games. He recently had a five-game point streak, which unfortunately came to an end in the game against Toronto.
With Barkov's absence, the Panthers will need to adjust their lineup and rely on other players to fill the void left by their star center. The team and its fans will anxiously await Barkov's return to the ice, hoping for a full recovery during his estimated 2-3 week absence.
Aleksander Barkov Career
After an outstanding season, Aleksander Barkov took over the role of captain from Derek MacKenzie, becoming the tenth captain in the history of the Florida Panthers franchise. Barkov's success continued into the 2018-2019 season as he achieved new career highs. He began the season by reaching the tenth spot on the Panthers' all-time point list with his 251st NHL point.
Although Barkov had a strong start individually, the Panthers struggled to secure wins in the early part of the season, going 1-2-2 in their first five games. However, when the Panthers participated in the NHL's 2018 NHL Global Series, facing off against the Winnipeg Jets, Barkov had already accumulated two goals and six assists in nine games.
Upon returning from the Global Series, the Panthers experienced an upturn in their performance, embarking on a five-game winning streak from November 1st to November 15th. During this stretch, Barkov contributed three goals and two assists while playing alongside linemates Dadonov and Mike Hoffman. By November 21st, Barkov had notched eight points in seven games and ranked first in the league in ice time among forwards, as well as takeaways.
In early December, Barkov was reunited with Huberdeau on the top line, marking their first time playing together that season. By December 8th, Barkov had amassed an impressive 10 goals and 26 points in 27 games while also maintaining a stellar 64.2% success rate in the faceoff circle. Continuing his exceptional play, Barkov achieved a significant milestone on December 15th, recording his first career NHL hat-trick in a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This accomplishment further solidified his status as an early contender for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the league's best defensive forward. Barkov showcased his versatility by leading the team with four goals during a two-game winning streak while also drawing the highest number of penalties and forcing an impressive 52 takeaways. Due to his exceptional performances, Barkov secured a place on the ballot for the 2019 NHL All-Star Game, earning recognition for his overall contributions to the team.
Aleksander Barkov Net Worth
As of 2023, Aleksander Barkov, the forward for the Florida Panthers, has a reported net worth of $35.4 million, according to Idol Networth. The 27-year-old player secured his financial standing through a lucrative contract. Barkov inked an eight-year deal worth a staggering $80 million, with the entirety of the amount guaranteed. This contract translates to an average annual value (AAV) of $10 million, ensuring Barkov's significant earnings and financial stability.
Aleksander Barkov Biography
Name
Born
2 September 1995
Age
27
Place of birth
Tampere, Finland
Height
6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight
212 lb (96 kg; 15 st 2 lb)
Position
Centre
Shoots
Left
NHL team
Former teams
Florida Panthers
Tappara
National team
Finland
NHL Draft
2nd overall, 2013
Florida Panthers
Playing career
2011–present
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Aleksander Barkov
Aleksander Barkov Injury Update - FAQs
Aleksander Barkov was born on 2 September 1995.
Barkov is currently the captain of the Florida Panthers in the NHL.
Barkov was chosen as the second overall pick by the Florida Panthers in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Barkov holds dual citizenship of Finland and Russia.
Barkov is known for his exceptional skills on both offense and defense, making him an elite two-way center in the NHL.