An Update On Aleksander Barkov Extension Talks

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Florida Panthers are slowly making progress when it comes to their extension talks with Aleksander Barkov. He also noted that there is still a possibility that a deal is finalized before the start of the season.

The Florida Panthers are engaged in ongoing negotiations on a contract extension with captain Aleksander Barkov. Per sources, talks are progressing slowly, but there is optimism a deal can be reached by the start of the reg-season (which is not currently considered a deadline).
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) October 1, 2021

Barkov is in the final year of his contract. The Panthers absolutely need to come to terms with him, as he is their captain and best overall player. In 50 games this past season, he scored 26 goals and had 58 total points. He also went on to win his first Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward.

Since being selected by the Panthers with the second overall pick of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, Barkov has been better than they ever could have imagined. In 529 career games thus far, he has 181 goals, 284 assists and 465 points.

We will have to wait and see if the Panthers lock up their superstar shortly. It would be a lot less stressful for Florida to do it now, rather than during next summer.