The Florida Panthers and young star Aleksander Barkov have reached an agreement and finalized extension talks. The deal is for a six-year, $35.4 million extension, according to NHL.com. Barkov broke the news himself on Twitter on Monday night, thanking Kevin Spacey in the process (because of the blue shirt he was awarded in December).
@KevinSpacey thanks 4 the good luck I'm in for 6 more years noon presser tomorrow @LKomarov your invited...Thanks @FlaPanthers @Dougielarge
— Aleksander Barkov (@Barkovsasha95) January 25, 2016
The 20-year-old will be making $4.25 million when his contract kicks off next season and will peak at $7.75 million in the 2021-22 season, its last year. Barkov will be making an average of $5.9 million per year for the six years, according to the Miami Herald. He was set to become a restricted free agent after this current season.
Barkov plays on the Panthers' top line with notable stars Jaromir Jagr and Jonathan Huberdeau. He had missed 10 games due to a broken bone in his hand.
"Not many guys play like he does," Jagr said in November, according to the Herald, shortly after Barkov's return. "He has no limits."
The young star has 30 points from 12 goals and 18 assists in 38 games this season and 90 points from 163 games, according to NHL.com.
"He's a horse and just gets better every game" coach Gerard Gallant said after the center's return in November, according to the Herald. "He brings a lot of offense, brings great defense and is the exact kind of player a coach wants. You can trust him in all situations."
The contract extension will be officially announced on Tuesday at a press conference before the Panthers' game with the Maple Leafs.
