Kelly McCrimmon strikes gold at the trade deadline with Ivan Barbashev
Part of the Stanley Cup-winning run in 2023 was from Mark Stone leading the scoring charge. The forward scored 11 goals and 13 assists, putting him in the Conn Smythe conversation with Jack Eichel and Jonathan Marchessault. However, a trade deadline move from that season has molded the roster into what it is today: Ivan Barbashev.
The move was initially made to give Eichel a running mate on the top line. Kelly McCrimmon needed someone who was fast and physical, protecting their main attraction from getting hurt. It's safe to say Barbashev has been that guy after signing a five-year extension worth $5 million AAV after the Stanley Cup run.
This season, the Russian winger has 15 goals and 15 assists in 34 games. He's also hitting people, amassing 68 hits in 2024-25. That's good for two hits per game, making him a good bodyguard for the four-time All-Star.
As mentioned, McCrimmon and the Vegas Golden Knights love thinking in the long-term. That's how they approach every trade deadline, seeing which players will work out for them. Barbashev is no different from previous acquisitions, where he adds muscle to the top line.