Defensemen, RFAs and one major extension: What to expect from the Panthers in free agency
Barkov will once again make $5.9 million in the 2021-22 NHL season, which makes this an appealing window to make a real push for a Stanley Cup. Whatever contract Barkov gets beyond next season could double his salary to put him in the same class as star forwards like Auston Matthews, Mitchell Marner and Patrick Kane, all of whom make more than $10 million per year. The difference between Barkov’s current salary and the one he’s likely to get is at least one really good player.
