St. Louis Blues: Blues Extend Ivan Barabshev, Finalize 2020 Roster
By Jason Martin
The St. Louis Blues announced a two-year extension for 23 year old forward Ivan Barbashev worth approximately $1.45 million a year, and it is a good deal for both sides.
Ivan Barbashev was the last domino to fall in search of the St. Louis Blues 2020 roster that will take the ice later this month, and both sides got exactly what they wanted with the new deal.
Barbashev had a breakout season for St. Louis last season, and bringing him back was a necessity for the Blues. When Pat Maroon left the Blues for Tampa Bay, Doug Armstrong was forced to turn his head (and money) to resigning Barbashev.
The $2.9 million amount puts the Blues about $500k left in cap space. The amount of cap space could change once the season starts. Some players are earning NHL money, but it’s very likely these players start the year in the AHL which would leave the Blues with more cap room.
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Barbashev was nothing short of outstanding for St. Louis last season and his presence in the Blues’ lineup had major implications on the team’s Stanley Cup run.
The Russia native played in 80 games for St. Louis last season and set career-highs in every offensive category.
Barbashev netted 14 goals and 12 assists in the regular season and added three more in the postseason.
His physical play and his ability to play on special team units was unmatched among his teammates last season. Playing alongside Oskar Sundqvist, Barbashev was part of one of the most dynamic penalty kills in the league.
Barbashev also has some great offensive potential left in him. Despite a slow start to his career, scoring 14 goals in the regular season was an encouraging sign for the Blues’ organization.
He is still just 23 years old and has a great amount of development left to take the next step in his career.
If he can reach new offensive heights, Barbashev could find his way on one of the Blues top lines. The apparent opening in the Blues lineup is on the second line.
Zach Sanford finished the year on the second line playing alongside Ryan O’Reilly and David Perron. It’s hard to see Barbashev playing well on this line, considering he is a more physical presence.
Because he played so well with Sundqvist last season, I see Barbashev playing on the fourth line with Sundqvist and a rookie that makes the team out of training camp.
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Locking down Barbashev is a great thing for the Blues. With rumors that he may go to the KHL, signing him to a multi-year deal is a great start to a great season going forward.