People seem to rank him very high in the 2013 draft and some say that he is a lock for the top 5, but i think it's wise not to expect so much. I personally would even be happy if he gets picked in the 1st round (since our junior developing has sucked in the recent years until 2009)
People seem to rank him very high in the 2013 draft and some say that he is a lock for the top 5, but i think it's wise not to expect so much. I personally would even be happy if he gets picked in the 1st round (since our junior developing has sucked in the recent years until 2009)
Stereotypical Finnish pessimism to the victory!!!
Seriously, if Barkov gets picked like 26th and not because he breaks his back or something, I'm going to eat my hat on the senate square, film it, and post it here so everyone can laugh at me.
Right now he's a lock for top 5 because he is simply in the top 5 players in this age group in the world. It can change with injuries and/or lack of improvement, but right now there's no way he's not a top pick. IMO he would be pretty much a lock for first round if he was drafted this year, and he's very close from being first eligible in 2014.
Seriously, if Barkov gets picked like 26th and not because he breaks his back or something, I'm going to eat my hat on the senate square, film it, and post it here so everyone can laugh at me.
Right now he's a lock for top 5 because he is simply in the top 5 players in this age group in the world. It can change with injuries and/or lack of improvement, but right now there's no way he's not a top pick. IMO he would be pretty much a lock for first round if he was drafted this year, and he's very close from being first eligible in 2014.
well you know the saying "pessimistic people never get dissapointed ", Though it seems like we are finally starting to develop more promising juniors.
Barkov is different, you can just see from him that he really wants to develop and be a elite player. He even said that if he gets stuck to SM-liiga, atleast he will score more points than his father.
Seriously, if Barkov gets picked like 26th and not because he breaks his back or something, I'm going to eat my hat on the senate square, film it, and post it here so everyone can laugh at me.
Right now he's a lock for top 5 because he is simply in the top 5 players in this age group in the world. It can change with injuries and/or lack of improvement, but right now there's no way he's not a top pick. IMO he would be pretty much a lock for first round if he was drafted this year, and he's very close from being first eligible in 2014.
I like Barkov and definitely think he could be a top prospect for the 2013 draft, but a lot of people were saying similar things about Jesse Joensuu back in 2004 and 2005, and I see some similarities between the two at the same age. Big, strong player, slow skater. I do think Barkov is a smarter player than Joensuu was though.
I like Barkov and definitely think he could be a top prospect for the 2013 draft, but a lot of people were saying similar things about Jesse Joensuu back in 2004 and 2005, and I see some similarities between the two at the same age. Big, strong player, slow skater. I do think Barkov is a smarter player than Joensuu was though.
100% true.
I hope that Barkov ends up being picked in the 2nd round at the latest.
I like Barkov and definitely think he could be a top prospect for the 2013 draft, but a lot of people were saying similar things about Jesse Joensuu back in 2004 and 2005, and I see some similarities between the two at the same age. Big, strong player, slow skater. I do think Barkov is a smarter player than Joensuu was though.
Sasha is already scoring on same pace as Joensuu when he was 19-20 y old. Also, even a blind man sees the difference in their hockey IQ. But I can kind of understand your doubts, Joensuu was madly overhyped prospect because of his size. Luckily Sasha has earned his hype thus far. He is probably the only Finnish prospect aside from Granlund who actually deserves his own thread.
Sasha is already scoring on same pace as Joensuu when he was 19-20 y old. Also, even a blind man sees the difference in their hockey IQ. But I can kind of understand your doubts, Joensuu was madly overhyped prospect because of his size. Luckily Sasha has earned his hype thus far. He is probably the only Finnish prospect aside from Granlund who actually deserves his own thread.
Barkov and Joensuu have 1 similarity they both were physically very mature at young age, but we have to remember that Barkov is mentally very mature aswell he's 16 year old and hes playing like +30year old veteran at FEL playing very strong and solid two-way game. Joensuu plays more aggressive style, Barkov plays smart game just doing the right things all the time and doesen't waste energy on unnecessary things. Barkov is already playing 20+ Minutes at some games at FEL, and he's 16 doesen't turn 17 until next september.
Now on the skill level, Barkov's stickhandling is one of the best in FEL if not best IMO it have been compared to Pavel Datsyuk who is the best stickhandler on the planet right now. Hockey IQ is at Mikael Granlund's level, his decision making with the puck is near perfect. Rarely loses the puck. Vision, he has great vision, not Mi. Granlund-like vision but he can do high-end passes like we saw at WJC aswell. His shot is hard, heavy and accurate. The quality of his passes are flatout amazing. The passes are hard and accurate. We saw many times how he passed nice hard passes from D to winger to start an attack at WJC.
We all know how good two-way player Barkov is. I'll predict him many selke nominations. MacKinnon might have 100-90 point potential but Barkov has good potential to be +PPG player with annual selke nomination. Personally i'd rather take an player who helps the team most to win a cup not the scoring race.
We have to remember how strong WJC's Barkov had despite being in the defensive role as 3rd line center without PP time as a 16 year old. He contributed against tough contries and didn't stack points against weak countries. Was very consistent at the defense. He was one of the best 3rd line centers at WJC as a 16 year old. That is pretty nice. Only skating is holding him back from #1 overall spot.
This might sound overhyping but i'll actualy stand behind my words.
Barkov might be safest bet at the 2013 draft. Lowest potential: Jordan Staal, Highest Potential: Datsyuk, Medium Potential: Updated version from Mikko Koivu.
Hard to see that Joensuu was near as good at his 20s than Barkov at 16.
Barkov at WJC:
IMO the most impressive play were the last secondary assist against sweden at Semifinals. Such an smart play at it tells something about his vision and smartness.
I went and ran some comparisons for 16 year olds in SM-Liiga going back to 1975.
Yeah.... there aren't many of relevance.
16 Year Olds in SM-Liiga (1975-2012, minimum 10 GP). Ordered By PTS DESC, GP ASC.
Timo Jutila 1980-81, 36GP, 9G, 12A, 21PTS.
Aleksander Barkov 2011-12 32GP, 7G, 9A, 16PTS.
Juha Jyrkkio 1975-76 36GP, 7G, 5A, 12PTS.
Pasi Petrilainen 1994-95 25GP, 3G, 0A, 3PTS
Teppo Kivela 1984-85 11GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Teemu Riihijarvi 1993-94 13GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Olli Jokinen 1995-96 15GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Jesse Joensuu 2004-05 39GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Toni Koivisto 1999-00 11GP, 1G, 0A, 1PTS
Timo Blomqvist 1977-78 22GP, 1G, 0A, 1PTS
Tuomas Pihlman 1999-00, 17GP, 0G, 0A, 0PTS
Joni Pitkanen 2000-01, 21GP, 0G, 0A, 0PTS
[5 others have 0 pts from the 70s in 80s].
As you can see, Joensuu is certainly the most recent example. Though you're talking two different worlds. If you're trying to compare, Olli Jokinen is the example that all other finnish prospects get compared against.
Jokinen was drafted 3rd overall in 1997. His Stats
Olli Jokinen (at 16) 1995-96 15GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Olli Jokinen (at 17) 1996-97 50GP, 14G, 27A, 41PTS
And as far as 17 year old forwards go, you can add three other recent players for comparison:
Mikael Granlund (at 17) 2009-10 43GP, 13G, 27A, 40PTS
Joel Armia (at 17) 2010-11 48GP, 18G, 11A, 29PTS
Tuomo Ruutu (at 17) 2000-01 47GP, 11G, 11A, 22PTS
there are some others that scored less at 17. Koivu, Kapanen, Donskoi, Pulkkinen, Salomaki, Joensuu, Rajala, Kurri, Somervuori, Bergenheim, Tukonen.
Barkov is taking a path that no one has come really close to taking in over 20 years. But it's important to keep in mind that he has a long way to go. Almost all of the great Finns that had sustained success at the NHL level have dominated in the SM-Liiga prior to their ascension to the NHL. Jokinen made a massive leap between 16 and 17. Barkov won't need that same type of leap, but he will need to continue to progress. There is no reason he shouldn't be ahead of Granlund in his 17 year old season.
In my opinion has the best development curve we've ever seen from Finland. He is a big kid, we'll see if that is a major reason why he's beaten the curve at an early age, or if it is really just an indication of what is to come for Barkov.
I love him. Slam dunk top 5 pick, barring an ACL tear or something.
I like Barkov and definitely think he could be a top prospect for the 2013 draft, but a lot of people were saying similar things about Jesse Joensuu back in 2004 and 2005, and I see some similarities between the two at the same age. Big, strong player, slow skater. I do think Barkov is a smarter player than Joensuu was though.
Barkov skating is still clearly better looking than Joensuu's skating. Barkov is better defensively as well.
There is imsanely high top end talent in the 13 draft. I think he will go top 7 if he continues his development path and if not could easily slip out of the top 20. To say he is a lock for the top 5 is mental with guys like shinkaruk, monahan, mackinnon, jones and Pulock out there.
There is imsanely high top end talent in the 13 draft. I think he will go top 7 if he continues his development path and if not could easily slip out of the top 20. To say he is a lock for the top 5 is mental with guys like shinkaruk, monahan, mackinnon, jones and Pulock out there.
He would be a lock if the 2013 draft was today, a lot can happen in a year though.
I went and ran some comparisons for 16 year olds in SM-Liiga going back to 1975.
Yeah.... there aren't many of relevance.
16 Year Olds in SM-Liiga (1975-2012, minimum 10 GP). Ordered By PTS DESC, GP ASC.
Timo Jutila 1980-81, 36GP, 9G, 12A, 21PTS.
Aleksander Barkov 2011-12 32GP, 7G, 9A, 16PTS.
Juha Jyrkkio 1975-76 36GP, 7G, 5A, 12PTS.
Pasi Petrilainen 1994-95 25GP, 3G, 0A, 3PTS
Teppo Kivela 1984-85 11GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Teemu Riihijarvi 1993-94 13GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Olli Jokinen 1995-96 15GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Jesse Joensuu 2004-05 39GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Toni Koivisto 1999-00 11GP, 1G, 0A, 1PTS
Timo Blomqvist 1977-78 22GP, 1G, 0A, 1PTS
Tuomas Pihlman 1999-00, 17GP, 0G, 0A, 0PTS
Joni Pitkanen 2000-01, 21GP, 0G, 0A, 0PTS
[5 others have 0 pts from the 70s in 80s].
As you can see, Joensuu is certainly the most recent example. Though you're talking two different worlds. If you're trying to compare, Olli Jokinen is the example that all other finnish prospects get compared against.
Jokinen was drafted 3rd overall in 1997. His Stats
Olli Jokinen (at 16) 1995-96 15GP, 1G, 1A, 2PTS
Olli Jokinen (at 17) 1996-97 50GP, 14G, 27A, 41PTS
And as far as 17 year old forwards go, you can add three other recent players for comparison:
Mikael Granlund (at 17) 2009-10 43GP, 13G, 27A, 40PTS
Joel Armia (at 17) 2010-11 48GP, 18G, 11A, 29PTS
Tuomo Ruutu (at 17) 2000-01 47GP, 11G, 11A, 22PTS
there are some others that scored less at 17. Koivu, Kapanen, Donskoi, Pulkkinen, Salomaki, Joensuu, Rajala, Kurri, Somervuori, Bergenheim, Tukonen.
Barkov is taking a path that no one has come really close to taking in over 20 years. But it's important to keep in mind that he has a long way to go. Almost all of the great Finns that had sustained success at the NHL level have dominated in the SM-Liiga prior to their ascension to the NHL. Jokinen made a massive leap between 16 and 17. Barkov won't need that same type of leap, but he will need to continue to progress. There is no reason he shouldn't be ahead of Granlund in his 17 year old season.
In my opinion has the best development curve we've ever seen from Finland. He is a big kid, we'll see if that is a major reason why he's beaten the curve at an early age, or if it is really just an indication of what is to come for Barkov.
I love him. Slam dunk top 5 pick, barring an ACL tear or something.
Barkov is an late born and Olli Jokinen early born. There is almost 1 year age difference so it's not fair to compare their stats. Jokinen played only couple games as a 16 year old, Barkov plays whole season as a 16 year old. Jokinen at 16 didn't have close as good two-way game if we compare it to Barkov's two-way game. He has excellent offensive attributes and is one of the most skilled prospects for the 2013 draft but we have to remember that he is nearly as good defensively. I don't think any player from the 2013 draft can match that overall game. Mikael Granlund was named as smartest player for the 2010 draft, i can say that Barkov is as smart. Being one of the most skilled player for the draft being best two-way foward/player who is one of the biggest and strongest players in that draft class, might be smartest player in that draft class. His technique has been compared to Datsyuk. He might be youngest top prospect for that draft. When/If he's his skating developes well he will be VERY hard to stop. It would be exciting to see MacKinnon Vs. Barkov at U-18 WC. Is there any chance to see MacKinnon at U-18 WC? Barkov made Galchenyuk look nonfactor it would be interesting to see if he's able to shut down MacKinnon aswell.
Barkov is an late born and Olli Jokinen early born. There is almost 1 year age difference so it's not fair to compare their stats. Jokinen played only couple games as a 16 year old, Barkov plays whole season as a 16 year old. Jokinen at 16 didn't have close as good two-way game if we compare it to Barkov's two-way game. He has excellent offensive attributes and is one of the most skilled prospects for the 2013 draft but we have to remember that he is nearly as good defensively. I don't think any player from the 2013 draft can match that overall game. Mikael Granlund was named as smartest player for the 2010 draft, i can say that Barkov is as smart. Being one of the most skilled player for the draft being best two-way foward/player who is one of the biggest and strongest players in that draft class, might be smartest player in that draft class. His technique has been compared to Datsyuk. He might be youngest top prospect for that draft. When/If he's his skating developes well he will be VERY hard to stop. It would be exciting to see MacKinnon Vs. Barkov at U-18 WC. Is there any chance to see MacKinnon at U-18 WC? Barkov made Galchenyuk look nonfactor it would be interesting to see if he's able to shut down MacKinnon aswell.
Even more to my point. We haven't really seen a comparable to Barkov come out of finland... ever. If he falls beyond 5th in the draft he will have had a down year at 17 or teams will have erred in judgement. And to the prior poster who mentioned the strength of the 2013 draft class. It is one of my favorite classes I've seen come through due to the depth in high end canadian junior talent.
Even more to my point. We haven't really seen a comparable to Barkov come out of finland... ever. If he falls beyond 5th in the draft he will have had a down year at 17 or teams will have erred in judgement. And to the prior poster who mentioned the strength of the 2013 draft class. It is one of my favorite classes I've seen come through due to the depth in high end canadian junior talent.
Those stats are special to a 16 year old player from Finland for sure especially with elite defensive game but can you find any players from europe in past 20 years who has ever had as good 16 year old season in the top european league? You will be lucky to find more than 3 if any. Barkov has good chance to be generational talent from europe. Some people at NA just haven't figured it out. Barkov is definetly one of the best 16 year old ever came from europe.
Those stats are special to a 16 year old player from Finland for sure especially with elite defensive game but can you find any players from europe in past 20 years who has ever had as good 16 year old season in the top european league? You will be lucky to find more than 3 if any. Barkov has good chance to be generational talent from europe. Some people at NA just haven't figured it out. Barkov is definetly one of the best 16 year old ever came from europe.
I see Barkov as Jason Arnott type player. I think they will have similar careers.
", Though it seems like we are finally starting to develop more promising juniors.
