Should Bruins pay this reported asking price for 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 middle-six forward addition before the March 3 NHL trade deadline, and Barbashev is among the best options who might be available.
The Blues are 10 points out of the second wild card playoff spot in the Western Conference standings. Reaching the postseason is looking more and more like an unrealistic goal for St. Louis, especially after the team traded star winger Vladimir Tarasenko to the New York Rangers last week.
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What kind of package are the Blues seeking in a potential Barbashev trade?
Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported Sunday that the price “seems to be a second-round draft pick and a prospect.” Andy Strickland of Bally Sports Midwest reported Tuesday the Bruins are “very interested” in Barbashev.
Why should the Bruins consider pursuing Barbashev?
He can play all three positions up front. Center is his best position, but he can be productive at left and right wing, too. This kind of versatility is valuable, especially for a team like the Bruins that isn’t afraid to mix up lines and play guys all over the lineup.
Barbashev scored 2.48 points per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 last season. He also set career highs with 26 goals and 34 assists. His offensive output has come down this season. Barbashev is scoring 1.8 points per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. He has tallied 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 52 games overall.
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Who could jumpstart Barbashev’s game and help him rediscover the scoring form he displayed in 2022-23? Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery was an assistant coach on the Blues’ staff last season, so he would probably have a good idea of which types of players, positions and situations can get the best out of Barbashev.
Barbashev also is a quality defensive player. He plays a tough, physical style of hockey and won’t shy away from fighting if needed. He can also contribute to the power play and penalty kill.
Barbashev’s two-way skill set, physicality, experience and versatility make him a good target for the Bruins ahead of the trade deadline. He’s eligible for unrestricted free agency in the summer and his salary cap hit this season is just $ 2.8 million, which helps contenders like the Bruins that are tight against the cap.
The Bruins have already traded their 2023 and 2024 second-round picks, but they do have other assets to offer the Blues if they make Barbashev available.
