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North American Ice Hockey

Tappara’s Barkov picked 2nd in NHL draft

Florida Panthers have selected rising Finnish star Alexander Barkov as the second overall pick in the NHL draft. Another Finn, Rasmus Ristolainen of TPS, was picked eighth by the Buffalo Sabres.

Aleksander Barkov junior pukee Florida Panthersin pelipaidan
Image: AFP / Lehtikuva

Only one Finn has been picked as high before: goaltender Kari Lehtonen, who was drafted second by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2002.

Barkov had an exceptional season in Finland’s SM Liiga, scoring 21 goals and assisting 27 more in 53 games. The 17-year-old’s father was also a hockey player, who moved to Finland from Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The junior Barkov holds dual Russian and Finnish citizenship, but represents Finland in international competition.

Sources: Yle