Ivan Barbashev Replacements: 5 Left Wingers VGK Could Consider
The Adin Hill extension probably spells bad news for fans that wanted Ivan Barbashev to return to Vegas. Barbashev probably should have been priority number one for the Golden Knights this offseason, but they must have a pretty good idea that the market will be too strong to retain him given the cap restraints they’re in. With that said, finding a left winger needs to be taken care of this offseason. Who are five names the VGK should consider for the left winger spot?
Adin Hill is back.
— Trey Daubert (@treydaubert) June 25, 2023
Lehner likely gone somehow someway
Not sure how they afford Barbashev now. Have to find a new left winger. #vegasborn https://t.co/RX7owmrMaV pic.twitter.com/mB7Ig9Lzlr
*Honorable Mention: Pavel Dorofeyev
Dorofeyev needs to be mentioned because the young prospect showed a lot of potential last year. Dorofeyev, 22, scored seven goals in 18 games. We still need to see more but the former third round pick in 2019 has some skill and deserves more run this year. Ditto for Paul Cotter.
5: James Van Riemsdyk (Philadelphia Flyers)
Slow as dirt but does provide value as a net front presence. Van Riemsdyk is an ace at those tip plays and should still have juice in the tank left even at 34. Van Riemsdyk definitely slowed down this year posting 29 points in 61 games. However, that was on a really bad Flyers team. Can he get closer to 45 during a healthy campaign with Vegas? It will all depend on the cost, of course.
4: Milan Lucic (Calgary Flames)
I don’t see this as a terrible outcome. Yes, Lucic is probably a 4th line player at this point but maybe you move William Carrier up the pecking order. Lucic has that physicality that you don’t want to miss with Barbashev gone. It was a career low 19 points for Lucic in 2022 but his overall metrics were strong. At 5 on 5 during the regular season, Lucic posted a 53.78 CF%. Lucic is much more than an enforcer even if he’s old now.
3: Jason Zucker (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Zucker is from Las Vegas and may be motivated to return home to the cup champions. He’s not as physical as Barbashev and only provides real value if he’s putting the puck in the net. Last year the finishing ability really came back posting 27 goals. Is that something Zucker can do again and maybe improve upon with Jack Eichel feeding him the puck?
2: Tyler Bertuzzi (Boston Bruins)
Given where the Knights are cap wise this one doesn’t really feel possible but never say never. Especially with this franchise. Bertuzzi has a similar nasty style that Barbashev has. He’s also a really effective passer and thrived in Boston when supported by good talent. I’d imagine this one is out of the price range but maybe Bertuzzi is somehow cheaper than Barbs?
1: Alex DeBrincat (Ottawa Senators)
This is obviously the dream scenario. It’s probably an unlikely one but DeBrincat’s stock is down after an okay year in Ottawa. The positive is that Vegas is on DeBrincat’s trade wish list. DeBrincat is also a restricted free agent and could steer his way to Vegas. It will require the Sens to retain on the first year. Again, unlikely but never say never with this franchise.
Obviously concerns about DeBrincat’s lack of size but this dude is a sniper and can really put the puck in the back of the net. Something the Knights really need from the wing.
