Barkov, Panthers teammates honored by President of Finland

The Finnish players gather to meet their leader and present him with a Florida jersey as a gift.

Aleksander Barkov and a few Florida Panthers teammates received a warm welcome back to Finland this week.

On Tuesday, the captain of the Panthers and his Finnish teammates were honored for their Stanley Cup victory at a special dinner, where they had the privilege to meet with President Alexander Stubb of Finland.

Barkov, forward Eetu Luostarinen, forward Anton Lundell, defenseman Niko Mikkola and assistant Tuomo Ruutu all attended the event.

Before posing for a picture with the Finnish leader, President Stubb, the captain of the Panthers kindly presented him with a signed No. 16 jersey.

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President Stubb expressed his gratitude and pride on his Instagram account, writing, “It is a privilege to have the Finnish Stanley Cup winners as our guests. They are an amazing group of individuals. We are immensely proud of you all. It was also wonderful to have my father join us at the table.”

The Stanley Cup was won by Barkov in June, making him the first captain ever from Finland to achieve this.