Aleksander Barkov Jr. a 17 year old who is 6'2 and weighing 205 lbs. He plays for Tappara of the SM-liiga Finnish League. His father Alexander Barkov, was a former Russian hockey player. Barkov made his debut with Tappara, October 1, 2011 and became the youngest player in the league to score a point with a assist that night. Alek was chosen to play for Team Finland at the 2011/12 U20 World Juniors and in doing so, was the youngest Finnish player
Matias Strozyk writes...
"A very calm center who uses his vision well. Excellent offensive game and good size. Plays with confidence and never seems to be under pressure. Style resembles that of Pavel Datsyuk. A very solid overall package and one of the top prospects of the 2013 NHL Draft."
This is a player who very likely could jump up a spot or two or even fall as far as 6th depending on how the rest of his season turns out. With his size, FO% and all around game at such a young age, he could potentially become the best all around player in the 2013 Draft. Playing against men and still racking up good totals is what is really impressing scouts everywhere. A team like Edmonton may have their sights set on a player like Lazar but there is no way they pass up a potential center the size and talent of Barkov.
Barkov has never been a elite scorer that progresses year after year and only is coming into his own this season as a point per game player playing against men. Should Barkov fall in the rankings it would be because of the lack of a track record of continued scoring ability and his draft year could be a anomaly. On the other hand not being a official Russian like his father may be of great help in his draft stock. The russian factor is not going to be used like this past year.
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