A Golden Knights top-line mainstay is quietly having a great season

Some Vegas Golden Knights fans wrote off Ivan Barbashev after he suffered an upper-body injury on December 15 against the Minnesota Wild. Before the injury, he scored 15 goals and 15 assists. Afterwards? Eight goals and 13 assists.

Talk about a major dropoff.

However, that's in the past because Barbashev's off to another terrific start. This season, he has four goals and seven assists in 12 games. The Russian winger's on pace for 27 goals and 48 assists, good for 75 points. All three would be career-highs if he stays healthy and maintains that pace.

But that's the thing. Maintaining that pace is vital. Nobody can truly predict when injuries will happen or when a player suddenly doesn't have it.

Sports can be funny, huh?

But something has changed with the Russian winger. He's become a better offensive contributor. That has helped Eichel skyrocket near the top of the Hart Memorial Trophy rankings this early, helping his career blossom.

Why Ivan Barbashev is doing well on the Vegas Golden Knights top line this season

As mentioned, last season was no different for Barbashev on the top line to start. Bruce Cassidy put him there because he understands the dynamic that he and Eichel carry when playing together. It shows on the rush, the forecheck, and everywhere in between.

But there's a different mentality that the former Blues player is carrying with him this year. It's a more aggressive approach that single-handedly won Tuesday's game against the Detroit Red Wings.

Indeed, Hannah. Tell your friends that the Golden Knights finally got on the board first because of Barbashev. There should be a ceremony complete with all the bells and whistles.

Notice how Barbashev pounces on the rebound near the slot. He aggressively goes after the puck and buries it past John Gibson for the game's lone goal. Such viciousness has turned him into an incredible attacker for the Golden Knights.

Not only that, but the Russian winger knows where to position himself offensively. He can move beyond entering the slot, too. Barbashev can go wide on the entry without anyone noticing and score his goals there. Take your pick among the many ways he can burn you because he's done it before.

Is this the Ivan Barbashev that Golden Knights fans have waited for?

When the Golden Knights acquired Barbashev from the St. Louis Blues for the 2023 Stanley Cup run, his main objective was to be Jack Eichel's running mate. He looked good in his short Vegas tenure, scoring six goals and 10 assists in 23 games.

However, the other two seasons have been underwhelming. They've either ended in disappointment or injuries, wondering if it was worth signing him to a five-year deal.

It appears that signs are pointing to him being productive on the top unit this season. He's coming out swinging, reading the ice well and pouncing on rebounds. That can lead to great things, including a Stanley Cup run.

Golden Knights fans are keeping their fingers crossed that this'll be the case this season. Could we see more "Barby Parties" in T-Mobile Arena this year? Stay tuned. One thing's for certain, though. These parties won't be too plastic, which will be fantastic.