The Florida Panthers secured the signing of Finnish superstar Aleksander Barkov, sources confirmed on Friday. The 26-year-old player signed an eight-year contract worth $80 million with the Miami-based team. The majority of the contract consists of signing-bonus money.
In an effort to keep Barkov at the franchise, the Panthers closed the largest-ever contract in their history. The player’s $10 million cap will be the 10th highest in the NHL as of the present.
Previously set to become an unrestricted free agent, Barkov arrived at the Panthers in 2013. He previously played under a six-year contract worth $35.4 million.
Now, Barkov sees himself heading into the ninth NHL season of his career; all of which have been with the Panthers. In 529 games, Barkov scored 465 points, earning him the reputation of being one of the top two-way centers in the league at this time.
Barkov’s individual honors include the 2018-19 Lady Byng Trophy for the most gentlemanly player in the NHL as well as last season’s Selke Trophy for being the league’s best defensive forward.
