Blues trade Barbashev to Golden Knights
The Vegas Golden Knights acquired forward Ivan Barbashev from the St. Louis Blues for prospect Zach Dean on Sunday.
Barbashev has 10 goals and 29 points in 59 games this season. He's a pending unrestricted free agent carrying a $2.25-million cap hit.
The 27-year-old had a breakout campaign in 2021-22, tallying 26 goals and 60 points in 81 contests. In 50 career playoff games, Barbashev has three goals and nine points. He'll reunite with Alex Pietrangelo in Vegas, who Barbashev won the 2019 Stanley Cup alongside with the Blues.
St. Louis tried to negotiate an extension but opted to trade Barbashev due to his desire to play in the postseason, according to Bally Sports Midwest's Andy Strickland.
The Golden Knights drafted Dean 30th overall in 2021. The 6-foot forward has 49 points in 38 QMJHL games this season. He captured gold with Team Canada at the 2023 World Junior Championship, scoring a goal and three points at the tournament.