Why Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov is suiting up for Finland after ACL injury wiped out season

Why Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov is suiting up for Finland after ACL injury wiped out season appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Florida Panthers won back-to-back Stanley Cups, but then missed the playoffs in 2025-26. They were also without Aleksander Barkov all season. Barkov missed the season after tearing his ACL in training camp.

Now, Barkov is back on the ice, suiting up for Team Finland at the IIHF World Championship. Now, the Finnish forward is speaking out about why he is playing, even though he missed the season, according to Robin Olausson of Daily Faceoff.

“It’s the worst thing, missing an entire season,” Barkov said. “I’m a hockey player — it’s both my life and my job — and I always want to help my team win. Obviously, it was really tough not being able to play and having to watch the whole season from the sidelines. Right now, I’m just very happy to be back playing again, and that everything feels good.”

Barkov has been a consistent presence in the Panthers ‘ lineup, playing in 804 regular-season games, plus another 94 in the playoffs for the team. Still, he missed all year with the injury, but had a drive to get back to the ice.

“My goal is to win World Championship gold. I haven’t thought about anything else,” Barkov said. “I was really happy when I got the call from the coach and GM, and for me it was an easy decision to say yes. I’m really happy to be here and playing again.”

While the long-term health of Barkov is key for the Panthers, the team seems to be supporting their captain.

“I talked to (the Panthers) a little bit, of course, but they didn’t object at all,” Barkov said. “They were just happy for me that I’d get the chance to play at the World Championship. It’s always a huge honor for me every time I get the chance to represent Finland. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the Olympics, the World Championship, or anything else. Right now, I’m just really happy to be here, and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Barkov would have represented Finland at the 2026 Olympics had it not been for his injury. Now, he gets to represent his country and is hopeful to win gold.

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