According to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, Florida Panthers captain and perennial Selke Award finalist Aleksander Barkov might be traded if Panthers GM Bill Zito cannot re-sign him before the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline. In the final year of a six year contract worth $5.9 million, the 25-year-old centerman will be an unrestricted free agency next summer.
‘'Aleksander Barkov is entering the last year of his six-year contract with the Florida Panthers. ESPN asked GM Bill Zito if there was a date when he'd have to consider trading the star center. He said there isn't one, because «I'm confident we'll be able to work something out.» Zito said an extension will «probably» come before the 2021-22 NHL season begins in October. Barkov's agent Mark Gandler wouldn't comment on the negotiations.''
If Barkov is traded, you can bet that every NHL team would be interested. You have a 25-year-old captain capable of scoring and dominating defensively. He's a 6'3", 215 pound prospect who plays the game like a 4th line grinder. In summary, he's a coach's dream and a team favourite. His spectacular goals and flashy plays are impressive, but he also does the simple things well and pays close attention to the game.
