Ivan Barbashev

Barbashev's time with the Blues ended in a deadline deal to Vegas, where he became a key part of the Golden Knights' Stanley Cup championship. The 27-year-old had 45 points in 82 regular-season games in 2022-23 and another 18 points in 22 contests during the postseason. It was a performance that led to Barbashev getting a five-year deal to stay in Vegas -- a move that forced the Golden Knights to trade Reilly Smith to Pittsburgh. Barbashev could be a top-line player and a plus physicality going forward, especially after he clicked with Jack Eichel during the playoffs. He's had some volatility with his shooting percentage in the past, but the 27-year-old is also in his prime and in a strong offense, which bodes well for returning mid-round fantasy value in 2023-24.

Barbashev was the author of one of the NHL's most unexpected offensive breakouts in 2021-22. The Russian had never scored more than 14 goals and 26 points in any of his first five NHL seasons, but those numbers jumped up to a whopping 26 goals and 60 points in 81 games with St. Louis in 2021-22. The most notable reason for that jump in production was a change in deployment. Barbashev averaged roughly 90 seconds worth of power-play time per game last year, resulting in nine points with the man advantage. He had one power-play point in his first five seasons combined. Barbashev's 23.4 percent shooting percentage suggests there is massive regression forthcoming in the goals-scored department, but even 20 goals, 50 points, and 150 hits (he had 160 last season) would make Barbashev a late-round target in many formats.

Barbashev has settled into his role as a depth player for St. Louis nicely, killing penalties and bringing some energy while also chipping in a limited amount of offense. The young Russian finished with five goals and 12 points in 38 games a year ago, which prorated over the course of a typical 82-game season is roughly in line with what we saw from him during the previous two campaigns. Barbashev should flirt with 100 hits in 2021-22, but his low shot total and lack of power-play time make the 25-year-old a clear fade in most fantasy formats.

Barbashev has claimed a full-time role in the NHL over the last two seasons, accruing 25 goals and 27 assists over 149 games. The 25-year-old typically doesn't stray from the bottom six; he averaged just 13:27 of ice time per game last year. It would be surprising if he received a promotion this year after the addition of Mike Hoffman, so Barbashev's main contributions will come in a checking role.

Barbashev teetered on the edge of a full-time NHL role during the 2017-18 season, and he finally secured it in 2018-19 with 14 goals and 26 points -- doubling his previous career highs -- in 80 NHL games. The 23-year-old also played in 25 games during the postseason and is considered one of the team's most effective penalty killers. Barbashev was the Blues' restricted free agent to sign this offseason, and he'll be called upon again in a bottom-six role. He has proven he has the skill to eclipse the 30 points, and another summer of development could push him to that mark.

The 22-year-old forward has been easing into NHL play and even appeared on a line with Vladimir Tarasenko for a few games last season, which helped Barbashev notch seven goals and six helpers in 53 contests. However, Barbashev will have extra competition to stick with the big club after the slew of offseason moves brought substantial depth to St. Louis. If he makes the team out of camp, expect him to play a bottom-six role (likely the fourth line). It will be a struggle for Barbashev to reach 25 points this season without substantial injuries in the Blues' top nine.

Barbashev was chosen 33rd overall by the Blues in June’s NHL Entry Draft following two successful seasons with Moncton of the QMJHL. While his scoring totals aren’t as gaudy as some of the other upper-tier prospects from the league, Barbashev has shown a highly-developed two-way game. Despite not being a premier stick-handler, Barbashev uses his big frame well, both in protecting the puck and doling out punishment. The 18-year-old likely profiles as a second-line center or wing at the NHL level.