Ivan Barbashev was a key player for the Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues during the 2018-19 season. Let’s take a look at what we can expect in 2019-20.
The St. Louis Blues drafted Ivan Barbashev in the second round, 33rd overall, in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Barbashev was touted as an above-average skater with a physical side. Soon after being drafted, he signed a three-year entry-level contract.
During the 2015-16 season, he made his professional debut with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. Two years later he made his NHL debut with St. Louis.
Since joining the Blues, Barbashev has bounced around the lineup. During years one and two with the Blues, Barbashev was in and out of the lineup.
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Last year, Barbashev became more comfortable at the NHL level. He grabbed hold of a spot in the lineup out of training camp and did not look back.
During his first three years with the Blues, Barbashev has increased the number of games he has played. He had a low of 30 in 2016-17 and a high of 80 last year. One of only three St. Louis players to reach the 80 games played mark.
After a small regression in offense his sophomore season, Barbashev scored 14 goals and had 26 points last season, the first double-digit goal season of his NHL career. Finally showing some of the scoring prowess he demonstrated in juniors and with the Wolves.
Each year in the NHL Barbashev has increased his takeaways per game and decreased his giveaways, making him a perfect fit for a fourth-line role. A lot of fans want to see Barbashev moved up the lineup, but I feel Barbashev is an ideal fit for the fourth line.
Fourth lines are not the fourth lines of the past. They are now hybrid lines, and they need speed to get in on the forecheck, be able to keep puck possession and have a scoring touch. The best way to defend the oppositions’ top line is to make them play in their defensive zone.
This is what made Barbashev and the Blues fourth line so successful last year, and this is what will continue to make Barbashev successful in the future. After last years success, many Blues fans are clamoring for Barbashev to get moved up the lineup.
I disagree with that thinking. Barbashev plays a perfect style to be successful in his current role. It is not a coincidence that the two games the Blues got blown out of the building, were the two games they were missing a fourth-line player to suspension.
I think the confidence that himself and linemate Oskar Sundqvist gained last season, will be valuable in their growth this year. Barbashev will continue to improve this season by setting new career highs in goals and points.
I expect Barbashev to knock on the 20 goal door, but come up just shy with 19 goals, while topping the 35 point mark. Barbashev will also continue to improve his possession numbers, while at the same time top the 100 hit mark for the season.
Barbashev is not a household name across the NHL, and probably never will be. He is though, a household name in St. Louis, and an integral part of this teams success. Although still unsigned, the Blues will get him signed and will continue to reap the benefits of Barbashev’s continued growth and success.