Latest asking price for an Ivan Barbashev trade revealed
Should Bruins pay this reported price on an Ivan Barbashev trade? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Ivan Barbashev won his first Stanley Cup title in 2019 when the St. Louis Blues defeated the Boston Bruins in Game 7 at TD Garden. Could he help the Bruins win a championship in 2023?
The Bruins could use a versatile forward from the middle of the six before the March 3 NHL deadline, and Barbashev is among the best options that might be available.
The Blues are 10 points away from second wildcard playoff spot in Western Conference standings. Reaching the postseason seems increasingly an unrealistic goal for St. Louis, especially after the team sold star winger Vladimir Tarasenko to the New York Rangers last week.
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What kind of package are the Blues looking for in a possible deal with Barbashev?
The Fourth Period’s Dave Pagnotta reported Sunday that Price “appears to be a second-round draft pick and a prospect.” Bally Sports Midwest’s Andy Strickland reported Tuesday that the Bruins are “very interested” in Barbashev.
Why would the Bruins consider going after Barbashev?
He can play all three positions up front. The center is his best position, but he can also be productive on the left and right wing. That kind of versatility is valuable, especially for a team like the Bruins who aren’t afraid to mix up lines and play against guys across the lineup.
Barbashev averaged 2.48 points per 60 minutes in 5-on-5s last season. He also set career highs with 26 goals and 34 assists. His offensive performance has dropped this season. Barbashev is scoring 1.8 points per 60 minutes in 5-on-5. He has 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 52 games.
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Who could kick-start Barbashev’s game and help him rediscover the goalscoring form he showed in 2022/23? Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery was an assistant coach with the Blues last season, so he probably would have a good idea of what types of players, positions and situations could get the best out of Barbashev.
Barbashev is also a good defensive player. He plays a tough, physical style of hockey and doesn’t shy away from a fight when it’s necessary. He can also contribute to the power play and penalty shootouts.
Barbashev’s versatile skills, physicality, experience and versatility make him a good target for the Bruins before the trade deadline. He’s entitled to an unrestricted free hand in the summer and his salary cap this season is just $2.8 million, helping competitors like the Bruins, who are tightly capped.
The Bruins have already traded their second-round picks for 2023 and 2024, but they have other advantages to offer the Blues if they make Barbashev available.