Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov named to All-Star Game roster

Florida Panthers forward Aleksander Barkov was named NHL All-Star Game roster on Friday.

Barkov, who replaces injured Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews on the Atlantic Division team, joins Panthers teammate Matthew Tkachuk in the game that will be played at FLA Live Arena on Feb. 4. Barkov will also participate in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition on Feb. 3.

Barkov, 27, has 43 points (13-30-43) in 40 games this season, the second-most on the Panthers. Florida’s captain has averaged more than a point per game and ranks second on the club to Tkachuk with 21 points (7-14-21) over 15 games since Dec. 29, 2022. He has missed 10 games with injury this season.

It will be Barkov’s second time as an All-Star. He was also selected in 2017-18, when he also participated in the All-Star Skills Competition.

“We are thrilled that Sasha will be joining Matthew to represent our franchise and South Florida to the hockey world at the 2023 NHL All-Star Weekend,” Panthers General Manager Bill Zito said in a news release. “Sasha is our leader on the ice and in our locker room, consistently conducting himself in a first-class manner, acting as a mentor to our younger players. He is one of the National Hockey League’s best all-around players and is fully deserving of the title of All Star.”

This story will be updated.

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