Panthers name Barkov captain

Aleksander Barkov is the new captain of the Florida Panthers.

The 23-year-old center will be the 10th player to wear the "C" in franchise history, the club announced Monday.

Barkov established career highs with 51 assists and 78 points last season, and was named a Lady Byng Trophy finalist for the second time.

He also finished fourth in the voting for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best defensive forward, and is generally regarded as one of the league's best two-way centers.

Barkov takes over the captaincy from Derek MacKenzie, who occupied the role for the previous two campaigns.

In statements issued by the team Monday, Panthers general manager Dale Tallon expressed confidence that Barkov is ready to be captain, and head coach Bob Boughner called him "the complete package."

Barkov said he was fortunate to learn from MacKenzie and fellow former Panthers captains Willie Mitchell and Ed Jovanovski earlier in his career.