Aleksander Barkov Jr 2013 First Rounders: Where Are They Now?

For Aleksander Barkov Jr. this past NHL season gave him a little taste of NHL hockey. While only played in 54 games for the Florida Panthers, he certainly made an impact and will likely see more time with the Panthers next season.

Today we’re taking a look at the 2nd overall pick from the 2013 draft where we take a look at Aleksander Barkov Jr.

When and where was he drafted?

Aleksander Barkov Jr was taken second overall by the Florida Panthers after an impressive year with Tappara in SM-I, where he recorded 48 points in 53 games; just shy of a point-per-game pace.

How did his 2013-2014 season go

Barkov’s season wasn’t nearly as exciting as the one Nathan MacKinnon had, but it was still a solid step for the young forward with the Panthers. Not only did he get some NHL time with the Florida Panthers, he also got to play for Finland at the 2014 Sochi Olympics where he won the bronze medal with his country. He played in 2 games with the Finland Olympic team and recorded 1 point, while representing his country against much older players.

“He wants to be here. He’s way beyond his years as far as maturity. I’m anxious to get him playing.” ~ Dave Tallon

He was quite overshadowed in the 2013 NHL draft but has proven to be one of the most NHL-ready and rounded players, playing a very mature game for his young age. He managed to work his way up to centre the Panthers first line and recorded 8 goals and 24 points in 54 games with the Panthers. During his time with the Panthers he took some time to get used to the North American game but recorded his first goal on October the 3rd, 2013 against the Dallas Stars.

unfortunately for Barkov and the Panthers, his season was cut short due to a knee injury suffered at the Olympics alongside the Finland national team.

• He became the youngest player since 1967 to score an NHL goal on October 3rd at 18 years, 31 days, the previous youngest player was Jordan Staal who did so at 18 years and 32 days.

Video Highlight

Thoughts On Last Season

After playing a European game for the majority of his life and hockey career, it took Aleksander Barkov Jr, roughly 6 weeks to adapt to the North American brand of hockey. However, once he did he worked his way up to the Panthers first line where he held down the fort as the their number one centre.

Despite being the underdog of sorts in the 2013 draft, Barkov is an exceptional and special talent who can be very effective when healthy. Having Barkov in the line-up instantly improves the Panthers roster. He proved last season that he was more than ready for the NHL and one of the most underrated players in the draft.