{"id":335351,"date":"2026-05-15T21:33:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T16:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/?p=335351"},"modified":"2026-05-15T21:33:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T16:03:06","slug":"why-aleksander-barkov-is-suiting-up-for-finland-after-acl-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/index.php\/2026\/05\/15\/why-aleksander-barkov-is-suiting-up-for-finland-after-acl-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Aleksander Barkov is suiting up for Finland after ACL injury"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, despite the fact that he missed the season, in keeping with Robin Olausson of Every day Faceoff.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the worst thing, missing a whole season,\u201d Barkov said. \u201cI\u2019m a hockey player \u2014 it\u2019s each my life and my job \u2014 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\u2019m just very completely satisfied to be back playing again, and that all the things feels good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Barkov has been a consistent presence within the Panthers \u2018 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy goal is to win World Championship gold. I haven\u2019t considered anything,\u201d Barkov said. \u201cI 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\u2019m really completely satisfied to be here and playing again.\u201d<\/p>\n

While the long-term health of Barkov is essential for the Panthers, the team appears to be supporting their captain.<\/p>\n

\n

The Captain makes his return to the ice. pic.twitter.com\/nzoaKOhEsD<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) May 15, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\u201cI talked to (the Panthers) slightly bit, in fact, but they didn\u2019t object in any respect,\u201d Barkov said. \u201cThey were just completely satisfied for me that I\u2019d get the possibility to play on the World Championship. It\u2019s all the time an enormous honor for me each time I get the possibility to represent Finland. It doesn\u2019t matter whether it\u2019s the Olympics, the World Championship, or anything. Immediately, I\u2019m just really completely satisfied to be here, and I\u2019m looking forward to getting began.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n