Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov continues to earn accolades as one of the NHL’s premier all-around players. This week, The Athletic released its annual player rankings, naming Barkov the NHL’s Most Consistent Two-Way Center, a distinction that cements his reputation not just as a top-tier offensive weapon, but also as a defensive cornerstone — and a defining leader of the franchise.
This recognition marks a significant milestone in Barkov’s career. While he has long been respected by players, coaches, and analysts for his two-way game, The Athletic’s acknowledgment highlights the consistency and elite standard he maintains year after year — a rare trait in the league’s ever-changing competitive landscape.
A Model of Two-Way Excellence
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Barkov blends size, intelligence, and finesse in a way few centers can. His on-ice awareness, faceoff dominance, and commitment to defensive play routinely put him in the conversation for the Selke Trophy — an award he won in 2021 and has been a finalist for multiple times since. This past season, he once again finished among the league leaders in takeaways, faceoff win percentage, and defensive zone effectiveness.
“He’s the complete package,” Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said. “You can trust him in any situation — power play, penalty kill, protecting a lead, you name it. He’s the kind of player you build a team around.”
Leadership in Every Shift
Since being named captain in 2018, Barkov has grown into one of the NHL’s most respected leaders. Quiet by nature but forceful in presence, his work ethic and unflappable demeanor set the tone in the Panthers locker room. Over the past few seasons, his leadership has helped guide Florida from a rebuilding team to a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2023 and deep playoff pushes thereafter.
The franchise’s trajectory has mirrored Barkov’s maturation — from a promising young star drafted second overall in 2013 to a face of stability, humility, and relentless competitiveness.
A Franchise Icon in the Making
With this latest recognition from The Athletic, Barkov is not just being seen as one of the best defensive forwards of his era — he’s being viewed as a standard-bearer. A player who performs at an elite level offensively while embracing the tough, often thankless, responsibilities in his own zone.
Statistically, Barkov continues to deliver, posting 78 points (29 goals, 49 assists) last season while often matching up against opposing teams’ top lines. Yet it’s the nuance of his game — the stick lifts, the reads, the shot blocks, the calm breakouts — that make him invaluable.
What’s Next
Now entering his 13th NHL season, Barkov remains in the prime of his career. With a strong core around him — including players like Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Aaron Ekblad — the Panthers look poised to contend again in 2025–26.
But regardless of where Florida finishes in the standings, one thing is clear: Aleksander Barkov is the kind of player every team wants, and few teams have. This latest honor is not just a tip of the cap — it’s a reminder of his enduring excellence.
Congratulations to Aleksander Barkov — a true embodiment of consistency, class, and leadership in today’s NHL.
