Aleksander Barkov has been one of the most underrated players in the NHL for years. The stamp does not seem to come off even with wear.
Aleksander Barkov is the captain and perhaps the most important player of the Florida Panthers. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
The members of the NHL players’ association jNHLPA voted Alexander Barkov again the most underrated player in the league.
The captain of the Florida Panthers received quite an avalanche of votes in the voting. Barkovia was voted by 23 percent of respondents, while the Buffalo Sabers received the second most votes Tage Thompson received only 4.3 percent. of the New York Rangers Mika Zibanejad was third in the vote (3.3%) and the Carolina Hurricanes Sebastian Aho fourth (2.9 & sounds)
The honor Barkov received is undeniably handsome, but at the same time it is surprising. How can a 27-year-old striker still be underrated year after year?
Barkov has already been chosen as the most underrated player once before. In addition, he has been at the top of that vote year after year.
So the players know Barkov’s skills. The Finn, who served as Florida’s captain for years, has been the driving force of his team for years.
According to other players, the undervaluation may be due to Barkov’s club. Florida isn’t the hottest puck keeper, and the Panthers don’t make as much headlines in their home region as, say, Canadian clubs do in their own circles.
Barkov’s skills, knowledge and importance are also clear to Finnish hockey fans. So it can be a blue-and-white delusion to think that puck fans in other countries also understand Barkov’s skills. This idea is supported by the NHLPA’s voting results.
Barkov has been his great self again this season. In 57 matches, he has scored 63 (18+45) power points.