Ivan Barbashev: 5 potential destinations for the Blues forward

Ivan Barbashev is the latest name to fall in the St. Louis Blues' core sell-off. The winger has 27 points in 53 games this season.

He can set up offense for anyone on the ice, and would make a big depth addition at the deadline in the NHL. Here are a few NHL teams where Barbashev could land at before the deadline (March 4, 2023).

Five likely destinations for Ivan Barbashev

Here are the five possible teams:

#1 Pittsburgh Penguins

Ivan Barbashev would be a logical upgrade at the forward position for the Pens. He could fit in on the third line with Jeff Carter and Kasperi Kapanen to add an extra punch to the Penguins' forward group.

Ivan Barbashev shouldn’t be the Pens first priority at the deadline, as fixing the goalie problem is the bigger issue in Pittsburgh. The Blues will certainly be in the market for picks and prospects, and that’s something the Pens have a ton of after decades of being buyers.

#2 New York Islanders

The Islanders are in the midst of a retooling. Acquiring Bo Horvat was only the first step. They aren’t in the market to buy for a cup run, but Ivan Barbashev could be a key piece as the Islanders retool to be a contender shortly.

The trade would only make sense for the Islanders if they can lock up Barbashev long term. If Barbashev is only interested in going window shopping, the Islanders should be cheap in what they give up.

#3 Calgary Flames

This almost makes too much sense for the Flames. They have struggled this year since making the Western Conference Final a year ago. Barbashev could instantly kickstart the Flames' forward group.

They have cap space, and that might separate them from the rest of the pack when pursuing Barbashev. The Flames would have the flexibility to create a package that suits their needs.

#4 Toronto Maple Leafs

Not exactly a great consolation prize if the Leafs lose out on Patrick Kane, but Ivan Barbashev could still be a key acquisition for a team all in on a cup run. He would instantly improve the back six for the Leafs.

A mid-round pick and a solid prospect should be enough to get this deal done for the Leafs. The biggest issue would be addressing the cap crunch for the Leafs. The Maple Leafs shouldn’t part with most of their high paying players for Barbashev, which may require the Blues to chip in on the contract.

#5 Boston Bruins

Why not Boston? The best team in hockey have one of the best offenses in the game, and adding Barbashev would be the best depth acquisition. The Bruins have enough cap space to add one more key piece. Barbashev’s 2.5 AAV could fit in that final space.