Aleksander Barkov Extension May Be On The Way

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito has stated that the team will "probably" extend captain Aleksander Barkov before the start of this upcoming season. The 25-year-old center has one year left on his current deal and will be eligible for unrestricted free agency next off-season. Zito's confidence on the matter is encouraging.

🚨🚨🚨Rumors: As reported by @wyshynski #FlaPanthers Aleksander Barkov is entering in his final year of his 6 year contract. GM Bill Zito said an extension will “probably” come before the 2021-22 NHL season begins in October. pic.twitter.com/Kp6aStse07
— Hockey Hound (@HockeyHoundShow) August 16, 2021

Barkov has become a legitimate star and is one of the best two-way forwards in the entire league. This was made evident by the fact that he just took home his first Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward.

However, even with him playing such a sound defensive game, he also contributes a lot on the scoresheet. In 50 games this past season, he scored 26 goals and recorded 58 points. The 2018-19 season saw him put up his best offensive season, too, as he scored 35 goals and had a whopping 96 points. Therefore, he is a real threat as an offensive player, too.

Over 529 career NHL games with the Panthers, he has 181 goals, 284 assists and 465 points. Yet, over these last four seasons, he has really taken his game to another level.

If the Panthers are able to sign Barkov to a team-friendly deal like the Colorado Avalanche did with Gabriel Landeskog, it would be fantastic for the organization. However, even if they end up having to pay more to get him locked up, it is worth it in the end. There is no way to replace Barkov if he leaves.