The effort and the timing were perfect. With 27-year-old Ivan Barbashev set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, it's looking like he will not just be getting a raise, but a long-term or maximum deal. He may not stay with the Vegas Golden Knights, though.
The Knights have until July 1st to have exclusivity in negotiating a new deal for Barbashev. After that, he can talk with any team he pleases. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes Barbashev may have priced himself out of cap-strapped Vegas, but they may sign him to a long-term deal and flip him rather than lose him for nothing.
Following a 60 point season in 2021-22 with the St. Louis Blues, Barbashev seemed to struggle with the team in the following year. He had 10 goals and 29 points in 59 games when he was flipped at the deadline to Vegas for prospects. Barbashev looked excellent for the remainder of the regular season, and was a force in the playoffs with seven goals and 18 points in 22 games. His father even told Russian media that Jack Eichel came over to him during the Stanley Cup celebration and asked him to convince his son to re-sign with the Golden Knights. He said he would try.
The main problem is Barbashev is going to make much more than the $2.95 million he made the past two seasons. At the prime of his career, he's going to get term as well. Trading him before losing him for nothing may be the Golden Knights only option.
