I think the amount of hype Barkov is getting here is kinda ridiculous. Surely he's a very good prospect, but you guys from Finland are just too much. It was a similar situation on the message board when Granlund was playing well in Finland. Both obviously have great potential, but you sometimes get the impression that they are the best 2 prospects of all time when you read this message board. Ridiculous.
By the way, are Russia trying to get Barkov playing for their national team or can we 100% assume that he'll be playing for Finland during the rest of his career?
I agree that the hype for finnish top prospects from some posters is getting overboard, and some people tend to expect crazy things. However, I don't think its cool coming here to point a finger at everyone here claiming that we as a group all are ridiculous with the crazy overhype. If you don't agree with something, reply, share your opinion. Don't just come here vaguely pointing fingers.
Also we have to remember that Barkov starting to be considered a potential 1st overall pick (All the traits expected of an NHL ready player, the insane production, his young age), and considering there has never been one from Finland, I'm willing to forgive some guys for being too enthusiastic. And he is darn good player, just look at him.
To answer your question, I am pretty much 99,9% sure he'll play for Finland his whole career. He already has played for Finland in two IIHF hosted tournaments, meaning that he would have to play 4 years on Russian soil to be eligible to change the country he represents internationally. Also he has stated that he considers himself a finn, and all his friends are finnish, etc.