Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov recently responded to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky’s praise, in which Gretzky compared Barkov to Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier.

In an interview with NHL.com, Gretzky spoke highly of Barkov’s skills and leadership on the ice, stating that he sees similarities between Barkov and Trottier in terms of their ability to excel in all aspects of the game. Trottier, a former New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins center, is a six-time Stanley Cup champion and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Barkov, who has been with the Panthers since being drafted second overall in 2013, expressed his gratitude for Gretzky’s comparison to Trottier, calling it an honor to be mentioned in the same breath as a player of Trottier’s caliber. Barkov credited his teammates and coaches for helping him develop his skills and leadership qualities, and emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving success on the ice.

The 26-year-old Finnish center has established himself as one of the top players in the NHL, known for his strong two-way play, playmaking abilities, and clutch performances in key moments. Barkov’s leadership was recognized when he was named captain of the Panthers in 2018, becoming the first European-born captain in franchise history.

As the Panthers continue their push for a playoff spot this season, Barkov’s contributions on and off the ice will be crucial to their success. With Gretzky’s praise and comparison to Trottier serving as motivation, Barkov will look to further solidify his place among the elite players in the league and lead his team to postseason glory.