A three-player trade proposal emerges involving Ivan Barbashev and the Canadiens
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A trade scenario is getting people talking: the Montreal Canadiens would land forward Ivan Barbashev, but at a steep price.
The proposal comes from the Hockey Trade Rumors account as a hypothetical deal, purely a thought exercise.
In this scenario, Montreal would send Arber Xhekaj, Owen Beck and a 2027 second-round pick to Vegas in exchange for Barbashev.
At 30, Barbashev is coming off a 61-point season with a +20 rating for Vegas.
His $5 million annual cap hit is very reasonable, and he would be a major addition to Martin St-Louis’ top six, whether alongside Ivan Demidov or with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.”For Kent Hughes, it comes down to whether Barbashev is enough of an upgrade to justify sacrificing that much youth.”
– Hockey Trade Rumors
It’s worth noting that Arber Xhekaj remains a restricted free agent and is still unsigned heading into next season.
Barbashev brings physicality, experience and established top-six production, all of which could help support a young core.
His playoff experience carries weight as well.
He recorded 14 points in 22 playoff games this spring and has played in several big postseason games over his career.
Arber Xhekaj, 25, is valued for his physical play, even if his offensive numbers remain modest.
Owen Beck, 22, is a young center with 15 NHL games under his belt, and the organization continues to hold him in high regard.
Add the second-round pick, and the Canadiens would be giving up a lot of youth in one move. But that’s the kind of price it can take to land a player like Barbashev.
For Vegas, the trade would create some salary-cap flexibility, potentially opening the door to pursue a player like Dylan Larkin.
Would you make the trade?
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A three-player trade proposal emerges involving Ivan Barbashev and the Canadiens
Should the Canadiens accept this hypothetical trade to add Ivan Barbashev to their top six?