Barkov to captain Finland at 4 Nations
Published
Florida Panthers star centre Aleksander Barkov was the first captain named ahead of the 4 Nations Face-off, as all four teams reveal their leadership groups Thursday.
Barkov draws the 'C' with Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho and Mikko Rantanen along with San Jose Sharks centre Mikael Granlund serving as alternates.
The 29-year-old centre has 12 goals and 30 assists for 42 points in 42 games this season while averaging 20:25 of ice time per game. He became the first Finnish player to captain a team to the Stanley Cup with the Panthers last June.
He won bronze with Finland at Sochi 2014 and silver at the 2016 World Hockey Championship.
Hedman to captain Sweden
Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Victor Hedman will serve as Sweden's captain for the 4 Nations Face-off.
Hedman draws the 'C' for Sweden with Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander, Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Erik Karlsson and Edmonton Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm serving as alternates.
The four-team tournament begins on Feb. 12 and runs through Feb. 20 at the Bell Centre in Montreal and TD Garden in Boston.