Aleksander Barkov
 

Aleksander Barkov is eligible for the upcoming NHL draft and is currently leading his team Tappara Tampere of the Finnish elite league with 27 points in 26 games, quite the accomplishment for a player 9 months away from his 18th birthday. I doubt he knocks off Mackinnon for first overall but Barkov is making a case. Below is a link of a wicked pass from a game a few days ago preceeded by a great back check and transition, this is a clip that imo defines what Barkov is and can do as a player, enjoy!

Fyi - he is wearing a gold helmet and a blue jersey


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=XWbg57YXgmQ

Thanks for that one Gramps.

Solid battle in the corner, scoops the puck up on his skate for a spin around tape to tape pass on an easy tap in, what an awesome display of skill! And as a teen in a mens league no less!

What the kid is doing right now is basically unheard of in FEL and the crazy part is that he could quite easily have way better ppg rate if his wingers were on the same wavelenght. His playmaking and vision are absolutely insane.

Hopefully Barkov plays in the AHL or CHL next year.

Curious as to why? From what I've heard/read Barkov is primed to make a Landeskog type impact and is close to NHL ready. Seems like the most probable scenario is straight to the bigs with a possible extra year in Finland. Obviously a lot depends on what team drafts him as well...

Do we have to worry about waiting 2 years for him having to complete his mandatory military training like Granlund or is he going to complete it during the summer like some players have done? Any info on that?

Big Ev - I assume you have watched him play online ... I know you don't have a crystal ball but how would you think he would fare in the CHL? Also does any CHL team own his right or has he gone undrafted in the export draft?

Only seen him a few times last year. I think he would do well in the CHL for sure. My point was I'd like to see him come to North America to hone his game before the NHL. I think he would have to get drafted this summer to the CHL. But you're right, the military obligations probably hold him back 2 years or so.

Barkov has not been drafted by a CHL team, but I'm sure someone will use a pick on him this spring. He's under contract with Tappara until 2014-15 so I really don't see him ever reporting to the CHL. I expect him to stay in Finland for at least one more year to serve his military time, and after that I can see him jumping to the NHL if he's able to get out of the last year of his FEL contract. I'd assume there's some sort of NHL clause in that contract but I'm not positive.

I agree, I think he'll stay one more year at minimum in Finland. If he comes over early it'll be because he has a real shot at the NHL and would go back to Finland if he doesn't make the team.

Another game, another goal. 14 goals and 14 assists in 28 games.