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 on the IIHF World Championship. Now, the Finnish forward is speaking out about why he’s playing, despite the fact that he missed the season, in keeping with Robin Olausson of Every day Faceoff.
“It’s the worst thing, missing a whole season,” Barkov said. “I’m a hockey player — it’s each my life and my job — and I all the time wish to help my team win. Obviously, it was really tough not with the ability to play and having to look at the entire season from the sidelines. Immediately, I’m just very completely satisfied to be back playing again, and that all the things feels good.”
Barkov has been a consistent presence within the Panthers ‘ lineup, playing in 804 regular-season games, plus one other 94 within the playoffs for the team. Still, he missed all 12 months with the injury, but had a drive to get back to the ice.
“My goal is to win World Championship gold. I haven’t considered anything,” Barkov said. “I used to be really completely satisfied after I got the decision from the coach and GM, and for me it was a simple decision to say yes. I’m really completely satisfied to be here and playing again.”
While the long-term health of Barkov is essential for the Panthers, the team appears to be supporting their captain.
The Captain makes his return to the ice. pic.twitter.com/nzoaKOhEsD
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 15, 2026
“I talked to (the Panthers) slightly bit, in fact, but they didn’t object in any respect,” Barkov said. “They were just completely satisfied for me that I’d get the possibility to play on the World Championship. It’s all the time an enormous honor for me each time I get the possibility to represent Finland. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the Olympics, the World Championship, or anything. Immediately, I’m just really completely satisfied to be here, and I’m looking forward to getting began.”
Barkov would have represented Finland on the 2026 Olympics had it not been for his injury. Now, he gets to represent his country and is hopeful to win gold.
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 on the IIHF World Championship.