Florida Panthers' Aleksander Barkov has consistently been considered a top-five and, at worst, a top-10 player in the NHL, but throughout his 12-year career, the Finnish center has never finished higher than sixth in Hart Trophy voting. 

Barkov has never had a 150-point season like Connor McDavid or multiple 60-goal campaigns like Auston Matthews, but he has scored above a point per game in five consecutive seasons and has been the best defensive forward in the NHL.

Throughout history, the Hart Trophy, which is awarded to the league's MVP, hasn't factored in defensive impact as strongly as it probably should. More often than not, it's handed to the forward with the most points or goals. The 2024-25 season was different, as Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck took home the award, becoming the first goaltender to win the award in 10 years, when Cary Price won.

Hellebuyck's triumph can't be considered a sign of changing tides, but it could serve as a reminder for the defensive side of the game when voters begin to fill out their ballots.

With that being said, Barkov would need to up his production to get back into the Hart Trophy conversation. The 29-year-old's highest finish in Hart Trophy voting came in the shortened 2020-21 season, where he finished sixth after scoring 26 goals and 58 points in 50 games. His next highest finishes occurred during the 2021-22 season, finishing 12th after scoring 39 goals and 88 points in 67 games and in the 2018-19 season, finishing 16th after notching 35 goals and 96 points in 82 games. 

Which current Panthers could eventually have their numbers retired? We start with the captain Fans of the Florida Panthers are in an enviable situation.

Barkov hasn't surpassed 23 goals in three successive seasons, and it doesn't matter how strong his defensive game is; those numbers aren't high enough for Hart Trophy consideration. 

If Barkov were to work his way into those conversations, a 30-plus goal and 100-point season, as well as Selke consideration, is needed. That is asking a whole lot, no questions about it, but that's the nature of the situation. 

The Tampere, FIN native is as selfless as they come in the NHL and shouldn't feel pressure to change his game or chase personal accolades, considering the team's success, but adding a Hart Trophy to his resume and becoming the first Finnish player to win the award would add to his already impressive legacy. 

Blackhawks Third Overall Pick Compares His Game To Panthers Captain Chicago Blackhawks' 2025 third overall pick, Anton Frondell, compares his game to Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.