Panthers Issue Statement After NHL's Major Announcement
The Florida Panthers are gearing up for their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final, set to begin Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers.
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This marks the second consecutive season in which the Panthers and the Oilers will face off in the Final, with Florida winning last year's series in seven games.
Meanwhile, on Monday, the NHL announced Panthers star forward Aleksander Barkov had won not only his third Frank J. Selke Trophy, given "to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game," but also his first King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given "to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."
"That's two more trophies to add to Aleksander Barkov's illustrious resume!" the NHL wrote.
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (16).© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Immediately following the announcement, the Panthers issued a statement.
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"Congrats, Cap!" they posted.
Barkov was presented with both trophies in a heartwarming moment at the Panthers' practice facility. The team was scheduled to have a meeting when kids from Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital entered the room to share the news.
The 6-foot-2 Finnish center has been a regular visitor to the hospital throughout his career, bringing joy and putting smiles on the children's faces.
Barkov previously won the Selke in the 2020–21 and 2023–24 seasons. He is now one of six players all-time to win the award three times. The other five are Pavel Datsyuk, Jere Lehtinen, Guy Carbonneau, Bob Gainey, and Patrice Bergeron.
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Barkov was drafted No. 2 overall by the Panthers in the 2013 NHL Draft and has spent his entire 12-year career in Sunrise. This season, he appeared in 67 games, recording 20 goals, 51 assists and 71 points.
Related: Wayne Gretzky Predicts 2025 Stanley Cup Final Matchup
Related: Matthew Tkachuk Reveals First Text to Brad Marchand After Panthers-Bruins Trade
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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