Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov becomes part owner of Major League team

Here's a story you probably didn't expect out of Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov to start the season...

Major League Pickleball (MLP) have announced that Barkov is part-owner of a new expansion franchise called the Palm Beach Royals along with Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu and Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II.

First off, color me surprised that pro Pickleball is a thing. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though as the sport has seemingly taken over retirement communities across North America. I've heard it referred to as 'the fastest growing sport' in America, so it's clear that there's a big following for this niche sport.

It's estimated that Barkov and company paid as much as $16 million for the expansion franchise.