Could we see a better Ivan Barbashev this season?

Imagine this, dear reader. You're Ivan Barbashev and you're starting the 2023-24 season slow. You've scored two goals in the first month and life has been frustrating. But there's no worries because the Vegas Golden Knights started the season 11-0-1. Therefore, there's no reason to panic since other players are covering the bill. Thank goodness for Jack Eichel, eh?

But this season is different. No longer do you have big names covering the bill, with names like Jonathan Marchessault leaving for Honky Tonk Land. Therefore, it's on you to pick up the pace. That's especially true when the starting month consists of matchups against the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Florida Panthers.

That's why there's no better time for Barbashev to have a breakout season than now. Sure, the unit's more anemic than last season. That's what happens when you lose five forwards during the summer. However, weak times create strong men, which could catapult the Russian forward to new heights.

In 2021-22, the winger scored 26 goals and 34 assists in a career year with the St. Louis Blues. Fans are expecting him to duplicate that season again, boosting the Vegas Golden Knights offensively. But will that happen? Will Golden Knights fans see weak times create strong men with Barbashev?

What will dictate Ivan Barbashev's campaign?

Obviously, Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev will spend time together on the top unit. Last season, they played 63 games together, accounting for 668:09 minutes of TOI. With a score total swinging in their favor of 36-23, the Golden Knights will count on them to make more magic again.

But who will join them? Will it be Victor Olofsson, who wants to rebound from a subpar 2023-24 season (seven goals and eight assists last season)? Will fans see Mark Stone take the top line? It's predicted that Olofsson will slot into the top line, where he'll reunite with Eichel. However, that could backfire since the Swedish forward doesn't play a 200-foot game. What happens if he falls behind and the other team is on the breakaway?

There's also a lack of strength coming from Olofsson. Therefore, Barbashev would have to put out more production, i.e. delivering more body checks. That's something that could boost his numbers and add more meat to the top line. However, it could also wear him down faster, leaving him prone to injuries.

The verdict on Barbashev's upside with the Vegas Golden Knights

When the Vegas Golden Knights extended Ivan Barbashev last summer, the hope was they'd boost their top line production and give Jack Eichel a long-term partner. Having the two superstars on the forecheck would make Vegas more potent. It would also give the team two top postseason producers, especially with the Golden Knights trying to clinch their first Stanley Cup.

They managed to achieve that dream, defeating the Florida Panthers in five games in 2023. There's more room to grow for the Russian forward, especially if the Golden Knights acquire a big name like Mitch Marner. If Kelly McCrimmon works his magic and gets his big fish, that could be bad news for the rest of the NHL.

Why? It isn't just because of Marner joining the Golden Knights. It's also because fans will see a new side of Barbashev unleashed. The forecheck will be stronger, with more takeaways and hip checks. There will be more goals and scoring opportunities, making Vegas more lethal in transition. Most of all, a stronger Golden Knights team will compete for the Pacific Division.