BARBASHEV VEGAS BOUND
The Vegas Golden Knights acquired forward Ivan Barbashev from the St. Louis Blues for forward Zach Dean.
What does it give the Vegas Golden Knights
Barbashev has plenty of postseason experience having played in 50 playoff games in his career. He is a powerful two-way forward who becomes even more useful in the playoffs. In Vegas, he will help fill the void left by Mark Stone's long-term injury.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues
Zach Dean was drafted 30th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. Having just played for Canada at the 2023 WJC, he instantly becomes one of the Blues' best prospects. Dean, who can play either center or wing, could see NHL action as early as next season.
Fantasy impact
Barbashev has only 10 goals on the campaign, but joining the forward group in Vegas should only help his point totals for the rest of the season. Keep an eye on his power-play time because that should boost his value even more. Dean should be drafted in all keeper formats, if he is not already. He is a decent draft pickup in yearly leagues for the '23-24 campaign.
