- In 2024, Aleksander became the first Finland-born captain to hoist the Stanley Cup, leading the Panthers to victory over the Oilers. Now, with a rematch on the horizon, he’s aiming to make it back-to-back championships.
- Not only did Aleksander win the Selke for best defensive forward AGAIN, he also became the first player ever to take home the Selke AND the King Clancy (aka the NHL’s humanitarian award) in the same season. The awards were even handed to him by kids from a children’s hospital. Excuse us while we sob.
- Trilingual Talent! Barky speaks three languages fluently – Finnish, Russian, and English. The man can run a postgame interview, call a play, and order sushi in three different tongues. Elite off the ice too!
- Born into a family of athletes, Aleksander’s father was a professional hockey player, and his mother played basketball. Growing up in Tampere, Finland, he was skating before he could even walk, setting the stage for his future NHL stardom.
- Drafted second overall in 2013, Aleksander now leads the Panthers all-time in goals, assists, points, and game-winners. Captain. Franchise guy. Defensive weapon. Certified fan favorite. Need we go on?