Panthers’ Barkov to make season debut with Finland at 2026 World Championship
He’s back.
The Finnish Hockey Federation has announced that Florida Panthers forwards Aleksander Barkov and Anton Lundell will represent Finland at the upcoming men’s IIHF World Championship in Switzerland.
Both will also play in the Euro Hockey Tour tournament in Sweden that takes place a week before the big event.
Hienoja uutisia Leijonille - Aleksander Barkov ja Anton Lundell MM-kisoihin: leijonat.fi/maajoukkueet/a… #Leijonat #MMkisat #NHL @FlaPanthers
Barkov’s inclusion is notable, as he has not played in a competitive game since the 2025 Stanley Cup final. Barkov helped the Panthers win consecutive titles, and has participated in the past three Stanley Cup finals.
Barkov missed all of 2025-26 due to injuries to both his ACL and BCL. The timeline set back in October opened the possibility of Barkov returning in time for the playoffs if the Panthers advanced. Barkov had skated quite a bit in recent months, with the potential of him returning for the playoffs. Instead, the Panthers missed out on the postseason, and the decision was made for Barkov to sit out and heal.
Barkov was unable to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics with Finland despite originally being named to the roster. Barkov last played during the 2025 Stanley Cup final, registering two assists in a 5-1 victory to help the Panthers win their second consecutive championship. Barkov also took home the NHL’s King Clancy Trophy (leadership-humanitarian award) and Selke Trophy (top defensive forward), with his Selke marking the third win of his career.
Barkov last represented the Finns at the World Championship back in 2016, taking home silver. He has seven goals and 16 points in 17 games over two World Championships.
Lundell, meanwhile, will play in his second World Championship after taking home silver in 2021. Lundell has since represented the Finns at the Olympics and 4 Nations Face-Off, and just completed one of his most successful seasons with 44 points in 64 NHL games.
Finland will host a World Championship training camp in Lahti and Kouvola next week before playing Latvia on April 22 and Denmark on April 23 and 24. The Finns will then head to Czechia for a three-game Euro Hockey Tour run before playing its final EHT action in Sweden the following week. Finland will kick off the main event against Germany on May 15.
Finland has won four golds and 16 medals in its history, with their last gold coming back in 2022.