Aleksander Barkov facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aleksander Barkov
Barkov with the Florida Panthers during the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals
Born	(1995-09-02) 2 September 1995 (age 29) 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

Aleksander "Sasha" Barkov (born September 2, 1995) is a professional ice hockey player. He is the captain and centre for the Florida Panthers in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Panthers picked him second overall in the 2013 NHL entry draft. Sasha is known as one of the best two-way players in hockey. This means he is great at both offense and defense. He has won the Frank J. Selke Trophy three times, in 2021, 2024, and 2025. His father, Alexander Barkov Sr., was also a professional hockey player. Sasha has citizenship in both Finland and Russia.

Barkov's Hockey Journey

Early Days in Finland

Aleksander Barkov grew up in Tampere, Finland. He played for his hometown team, Tappara, as a junior. In 2011, at just 16 years old, he made his debut in Finland's top league, the Liiga. He quickly made history by becoming the youngest player ever to score a point in the league. This broke a record that had stood for 37 years!

In the 2012–13 season, Barkov continued to impress. He scored 21 goals and 27 assists for 48 points in 53 games. This was a great season, even though it ended early due to a shoulder injury. Despite the injury, NHL scouts ranked him as the top international player for the 2013 NHL entry draft. The Florida Panthers then drafted him second overall.

Joining the Florida Panthers

Starting in the NHL (2013-2018)

In 2013, Barkov signed with the Florida Panthers. He made his NHL debut on October 3, 2013. He scored his first NHL goal in that game, becoming the youngest player since 1967 to do so. Barkov was the youngest player in the entire NHL that season! He quickly showed his skill, earning praise from teammates and coaches.

His early years with the Panthers were sometimes cut short by injuries. However, he kept getting better. He often played on the top line with teammates like Jonathan Huberdeau and even hockey legend Jaromír Jágr. Playing with Jágr helped Barkov improve his scoring. In the 2015–16 season, he had a career-best 59 points. He was also nominated for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for being a very gentlemanly player.

Barkov continued to grow as a player. In the 2017–18 season, he had an amazing 78 points. He was also chosen for his first NHL All-Star Game. Even though he played great, the Panthers struggled to make the playoffs in his first few years.

Barkov with the Florida Panthers in March 2015.

Barkov playing street hockey in Tampere in July 2016.

Captaincy and Success (2018-Present)

After his best season yet, Barkov became the tenth captain in Panthers history in 2018. He continued to set new records for the team. In the 2018–19 season, he scored his first two career hat-tricks. He also set a new Panthers record for most points in a single season with 96! For the third year in a row, he was a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, which he won in 2019. This award goes to the player who shows the best sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.

The next few seasons were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Barkov and the Panthers started to play much better. They made the Stanley Cup playoffs for four years in a row. In the 2020–21 season, Barkov became the first Panther to have six straight seasons with at least 50 points and 20 goals. He also won his first Frank J. Selke Trophy. This award recognizes the best defensive forward in the NHL.

In 2021, Barkov signed a big eight-year contract to stay with the Panthers. He kept breaking team records, including becoming the Panthers' all-time leading goal scorer in 2021. He also reached 200 career NHL goals and 500 career NHL points. In 2022, he helped the Panthers win their first playoff series since 1996.

In 2023, Barkov became the Panthers' all-time leading scorer, passing former teammate Jonathan Huberdeau. He also helped lead the Panthers on an incredible playoff run. They beat the top-ranked Boston Bruins in the first round. They then defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes to reach the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals. Although they didn't win the Cup that year, Barkov set new career highs in playoff goals and assists.

Barkov won his second Selke Trophy at the end of the 2023–24 season. He then led the Panthers to their second straight Stanley Cup Finals. They defeated the Edmonton Oilers in seven games, winning the Panthers' first Stanley Cup ever! Barkov became the first Finnish-born captain to win the Cup. In the 2024–25 season, he won his third Selke Trophy and his first King Clancy Memorial Trophy. This award recognizes leadership and community work, especially for his support of Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

Barkov (left) with Vladimir Tarasenko during a game in March 2024. Barkov captained the Panthers to their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history later that season.

International Play

Barkov has proudly represented Finland in many international hockey tournaments.

Medal record
Representing  Finland
Ice hockey
Winter Olympics
Bronze	2014 Sochi
World Championships
Silver	2016 Russia

He played for the Finnish junior team in 2011, 2012, and 2013. At the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, he became the youngest Finnish player ever chosen for the team. He also became the youngest player to score a goal in the U20 World Juniors, beating a record previously held by Sidney Crosby!

In 2014, Barkov was selected to play for Team Finland at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. He suffered a knee injury after two games, but his team went on to win a bronze medal. He also played for the senior team at the 2015 IIHF World Championship and the 2016 IIHF World Championship, where Finland won a silver medal. He also played in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Personal Life

Aleksander Barkov was born on September 2, 1995, in Tampere, Finland. His parents are Alexander Sr. and Olga Barkov. His father, Alexander Barkov Sr., was also a professional ice hockey player. Sasha's older brother, Juri, was a talented tennis player, but injuries ended his career early. The Barkov family decided to stay in Tampere, Finland, after his father finished playing hockey. Sasha grew up speaking both Finnish and Russian. He holds citizenship in both Finland and Russia.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2011	Finland	IH18	4th		5	3	4	7	2
2012	Finland	WJC	4th		7	1	3	4	0
2012	Finland	WJC18	4th		7	1	2	3	27
2013	Finland	WJC	7th		6	3	4	7	6
2014	Finland	OG			2	0	1	1	2
2015	Finland	WC	6th		8	3	4	7	4
2016	Finland	WC			9	3	6	9	2
2016	Finland	WCH	8th		3	0	0	0	0
2025	Finland	4NF	4th		3	1	1	2	2
Junior totals					25	8	13	21	35
Senior totals					25	7	12	19	10

Awards and Honours