PanthersFanatic12
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- Aug 2, 2005
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Prospect Info: Aleksander Barkov (signed 7/15/13)
- Thread starter flapanthersfan
- Start date
Android 16
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The thing I like about MacK most is his compete level and his hunger to win. Essentially, I was crushed when the Avs finally made it official. Suddenly, our pick didn't seem too important anymore since he was off the board. But, I had a good feeling when I saw DT call Barkov up to the stage.
Like a lot of hockey fans from North America, I didn't know jack squat about Barkov before yesterday. Yet, I just had a good feeling seeing him in a red jersey up there. He looked calm, confident and professional. I learned that Barkov is done in Finland and craves playing in the NHL. I read that he's a student of the game and always wanting to learn more about hockey. That's huge for me. He's not just some prima donna, stud that's going to come with the attitude "this is how I play, like it or not". I'm not going to sit here and whine about lottery balls. Yeah, didn't get exactly what we wanted but maybe this is a better fit.
If you are a fan who understands the game you will love this player, he is a hockey players player. He may not take you out of your seats like a Drouin but he is going to help you win in so many ways and will be a model of consistency. This is the guy I coveted as a Sabres fan, he is the exact player you try and build your team around in todays NHL, no doubt in my mind he will be a #1 center who is in the Selke race sooner than later. A better scoring Anze Kopitar. Jealous
Beezeral
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- Mar 1, 2010
- 10,030
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Ill be honest, going completely off of draft rankings. not a fan of taking the 4th rated player in the draft when you are picking 2nd. you should be taking BPA, but if you are deadset on a forward, take the top forward left on the board. just my thoughts
Holy Jokinen
Registered User
To me, that's way too black and white of an approach to a very complicated and intricate process. Even if we take your view of draft ranking only, surely you can agree that "forwards" can be broken up into "winger" and "center." We went into the draft needing a top-tier center, and with Mackinnon off the board, we got what we wanted. Drouin is just another Huberdeau type. We needed something different since we filled that need when we got Huby.
Barkov was actually ranked ahead of Drouin most of the season, but Drouin eventually passed him because of his wow factor and being able to dangle through everybody which will NOT be happening in the NHL unless he adjusts his game dramatically. Barkov is an excellent hockey player and has everything you want. Size, SICK hands, a hard and accurate shot (this kid can snipe the puck), and he is an amazing playmaker barely below Hubs in my opinion.
This kid also has Selke Candidate written all over him in the future. 48 points in 53 games in SM LIIGA is incredible especially playing on a Tappara team that was awful last year. This kid definitely helped to put Tappara back on the radar in a big way. Drouin may be more flashier with those "dangles" but Barkov will be a much more effective player to helping a team win, and more importantly to win a championship instead of a scoring title.
Barkov definitely has 70+ point potential and I take that everyday with his 200 ft of hockey instead of Drouins 80+ points while being a black hole defensively and a tiny kid who is not a great skater.
Watch some highlights of Barkov and you will see why this kid went second overall, he is so underrated it's not even funny. Everyone talks about how he is complete, but he is a very offensively gifted player. He makes the right plays every time and he has Datsyuk like hands to get out of trouble on a regular basis and create things out of nothing. Lastly this kid is dynamite in the shootout and says he hates to shoot, but loves to dangle.
Hopefully now you can get over Drouin a little and realize Huby and Barkov are a match made in hockey heaven. They both create space for each other and that damn lucky player that will be riding shotgun with them. Plus we finally have a #1 Center
Android 16
Registered User
Just curious..
Why didn't these guys have better numbers in the WJC-20? Is it age? Is it seniority? Limited ice time?
MacKinnon
6GP 0G 1A 1PTS 4PIM -1
Drouin
6GP 2G 2A 4PTS 0PIM +4
Barkov
6GP 3G 4A 7PTS 6PIM +2
Why didn't these guys have better numbers in the WJC-20? Is it age? Is it seniority? Limited ice time?
MacKinnon
6GP 0G 1A 1PTS 4PIM -1
Drouin
6GP 2G 2A 4PTS 0PIM +4
Barkov
6GP 3G 4A 7PTS 6PIM +2
As good as they are, the tournament is still mainly for 18 and 19-yo's, not 17-yo's; that's one reason.
IceManCat
#StanleyCupChampions2024🏆
Android 16
Registered User
I watched Canada a little and it seemed like Mac saw limited ice-time and Drouin did as well until he flourished. He even replaced Huberdeau on the top-line at one point I think.
Didn't watch Finland too much except for vs the US. Barkov's numbers are pretty decent. Anyone follow him during this tourney?
Guys you got an incredible player at #2.
If his name was "Sean Barker" from Oakville, Ontario playing in the OHL he would have been rated #1. His game is tremendous.
I am very jealous.
If his name was "Sean Barker" from Oakville, Ontario playing in the OHL he would have been rated #1. His game is tremendous.
I am very jealous.
Android 16
Registered User
I'm cool with the pick but I just hope we finally drafted a guy he exceeds expectations.
Exceedingly, good expectations: Eric Lindros, Mats Sudin
Good Expectations: Anze Kopitar, Joe Thornton
Average to low expectations: Bobby Holik, Viktor Kozlov, Olli Jokinen, Mikko Koivu
This is part of the point, as there are players who have a year or two over them development-vice, and are more mature physically and have a tad more experience.
Ghoste
#JustGetIn
These expectations don't make much sense. Firstly, Barkov compares to Lindros in no way. Lindros is the most unique player to have ever played. The combination of skills and physical package is unparalleled. Barkov isn't reaching pre-concussion issues Lindros.
Secondly, Sundin isn't really better than Thornton. Thornton has had a vastly underated NHL career. In his era there are about 3-4 players who have had better careers.
iam76
Registered User
pierre mcguire on tsn 690 montreal still being a homer and no love for barkov... said threw the whole draft off lol...
nothing to say about him so far...
nothing to say about him so far...
Loffer
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- Sep 22, 2011
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Barkov was indeed a disappointment in the WJC. I don't understand those arguments saying he was "unexperienced", "only 17" etc. while he played succesfully in the FEL. For example, Joel Armia had much more impressive showing in UFA. And yes, he is two years older. BUT then again the same people who say this, still claim that Barkov is not only the superior prospect but was/is much better already as the last season stats in FEL should show. I just think Barkov got a little exposed in WJC. He needs to find another gear (esp. explosiviness) before he is NHL ready. I mean if he is too slow to be an impact player in WJC how about the NHL??
Most of Barkov's points were scored in the relegation round games against weaker opponents, so they are a bit inflated compared to Drouin's and MacKinnon's.
- Oct 7, 2006
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I didn't watch him play at the WJC, so I have no idea how he played. Could you elaborate on how he was exposed? 7 points in 6 games doesn't seem so bad to me...
AwesomePanthers
Stanley Cup Champions!!
- Aug 20, 2009
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MacKinnon was absolutely abused by the Canadian coaching staff. A shame..
I also gotta say I'm not a fan of players without charisma, and Barkov has none. Sounds like a Bouwemeester, really shy. So its probably good for him to get taken by a team with less cover.
Tyler Durden
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- Sep 18, 2009
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King Panther
ElGrandeDbagSupreme
my thoughts are that id rather have barkov and gudbranson than just mackinnon. im really glad we didn't sell the farm for mac.
there was a comment in the draft that barkov struggled against north American players when he came over (im guessing for tournaments). can anyone comment on that? it is a bit troubling.
there was a comment in the draft that barkov struggled against north American players when he came over (im guessing for tournaments). can anyone comment on that? it is a bit troubling.
In FEL Armia wasn't even half of the player Barkov was in every aspect of the game even being 2 years older. WJC is small sample of tournament and Barkov had 3points in 4 games in group stage. Barkov had 4 points in 7 games in a limited defensive role at WJC as 16 year old. Finland was a mess this year and Barkov couldn't turn it around.
Had 3 points against USA this year in pre WJC game. Last year he had 1 assist in 2 games against Canada at WJC as a 16 year old. He looked very good and solid in small rink against physical Canada for a 16 year old.
