The NHL posted an
article this morning where a handful of their writers weighed in on who they think will be the best center of the upcoming 2021-22 season.
Columnist Nicholas J. Cotsonika has his money on Alexander Barkov, writing:
“
The question isn't who will be the best offensive center at the end of the 2021-22 season. It is who will be the best center. I'm going with Barkov, who will be the best center when you consider both ends of the ice. Last season, Barkov was fourth in goals (26) and seventh in points (58) among centers, and he won the Selke Trophy voted as the best defensive forward in the NHL. He was sixth in voting for the Hart Trophy. The Panthers took a big step last season and look primed to make another one this season. The 26-year-old seems poised for a career season.”
Sasha is certainly in good company with the other centers listed in the article:
Crosby
MacKinnon
Matthews
McDavid
Point
I’m always amazed thinking how Barky is only 26 and has been in the league going on nine years now…he’s one of those guys that has always flown under-the-radar in a lot of respects due to his personality, playing style and being in Florida - though the latter point looks to be changing as the Cats are putting themselves on the map and in spotlight.
For all the good #16 does in a two-way, defensively gifted center role, the one main criticism I have for him is that he (and Huby) can disappear in big spots/games. Sometimes lacking that “killer instinct” and ability to step up and take a game over when the team really needs it (regular and post-season).
Looking at his playoff numbers (below) from over the years is an area for improvement - especially with Florida poised to do some post-season damage for a window of time here.
Not that the playoff stuff is awful, and he does a lot of things that don’t get recorded on a scoresheet, but an uptick in the goals column is never a bad thing.
2015-2016 - Fun, hard fought series that ended with loss to NYI
GP: 6
G: 2
A: 1
2019-2020 - Awful, frustrating series with Cats being easily handled by NYI
GP: 4
G: 1
A: 3
2020-2021 - Battle of Florida, Cats gave TBL their hardest matchup of playoffs, Barky nursing injury
GP: 6
G: 1
A: 6
Career Playoff Totals:
GP: 16
G: 4
A: 10
With this most likely being the most anticipated season in Panthers’ history, and with a roster lined with talent, I have no doubt that Barky will be in beast mode and have a monster year.
Where do you guys think he’ll finish amongst centers?
Hey…how about a little nostalgia?
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