Entering Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights winger Ivan Barbashev had 11 goals and 13 assists. That's not bad for an NHL winger, especially if you're looking for long-term stability in the league. However, the projected stats tell a better, albeit quieter, story.
Barbashev is projected to score 31 goals and 37 assists, good for 68 points (one point better than that dreaded saying, mind you). All three categories would be career-highs for the 29-year-old. Of course, that hinges on him playing all 82 games of the season. However, he's done that twice in his NHL career.
Yes, yes way, indeed. Jack Eichel and Mark Stone can't believe their eyes right now.
Speaking of which, Barbashev has found some comfort playing on the top unit with Eichel. Since he was acquired from the St. Louis Blues for Zach Dean, the Russian winger has been a good running mate for the franchise face.
Are there times when Barbashev could do more? Absolutely. There's always room for more goal-scoring for the Golden Knights forward. However, there's more to his game than simply scoring goals for Vegas. In fact, he brings more to the table en route to his potential career year.
What else makes Ivan Barbashev valuable for the Vegas Golden Knights?
Normally, you don't see hard-hitting players on the top line in the NHL. Usually, it's your best offensive players that carry the load. However, Barbashev isn't your typical top-line winger. He has an 82-game average of 146 during his 11-year career, making him a welcome addition to Eichel's line.
In fact, he can almost touch 200 hits. His career-high in hits is 182 in 2022-23, where he won the Stanley Cup with... Vegas. Having a literal bodyguard to protect your best player is always good, especially with his past injury history. You want him upright when he's starting to turn the motors on, which is what Barbashev does best.
Mind you, Barbashev has also exceeded expectations on the offensive front. His expected goals are 7.5, and his shooting percentage is 22.4%. However, his advanced stats have been better as well, specifically with his shot selection (stats courtesy of MoneyPuck).
Player | Shooting % On Unblocked Shots | Corsi | Fenwick |
|---|---|---|---|
Ivan Barbashev | 15.9% | 51% | 52% |
The 29-year-old has been well-versed in taking timely shots on the attack. However, this season appears to be different. In fact, this could be his best work yet as a Golden Knights winger.
Obviously, you have your partner-in-crime in Jack Eichel, who's on pace for 100+ points this season (34 goals and 74 assists, which would account for 108 points). He's great at making everyone around him better (well, almost everyone). Still, you can't deny that the Russian winger has played his part.
Sometimes, a bodyguard needs to add some offense himself. He can't be a lumbering meathead who takes penalties to the disdain of the fanbase. That's how your time with the Golden Knights suddenly gets chopped in half.
Barbashev knows this and he wants to avoid the cutting board. If the 29-year-old doesn't want to end up like an Atlantic salmon, that means doing what he's been doing all season. If that's the case, he'll become the proverbial catch of the day!