Insider suggests that a playoff star could be the target of a sign-and-trade this summer
Recent reports are suggesting that there are expected to be more high profile moves this summer than in any summer in recent memory. Some of this is likely due to the fact that the cap is expected to remain relatively flat for one more season, but it may also due to the fact that there are a number of players who are on deals that will expire either this summer or in the next season or two, who may not be interested in re-signing with their current teams.
The Vegas Golden Knights were nearly at $100M in salary during their playoff run, which obviously far exceeds the $82.5M salary cap. Thankfully for the Golden Knights, in the playoffs, the salary cap vanishes. However, the reigning Stanley Cup champions have a lot of work to do this summer and bodies are expected to move, either via trade or in free agency.
Last summer, we saw the first actual sign-and-trade in NHL history when Brad Treliving, then in Calgary, signed Matthew Tkachuk to an 8-year deal before shipping him off to Florida for a huge return from the Panthers, which centered around MacKenzie Weegar and Jonathan Huberdeau. This summer, we have already seen defenseman Damon Severson shipped from New Jersey to Columbus with an 8-year deal attached. Now, we may have our third such deal within a calendar year on the way. Per NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Golden Knights forward Ivan Barbashev may be the next player signed to an 8-year deal and then shipped out to another club.
Part of the reasons why sign-and-trades are becoming more popular is because when a player that a certain team likes becomes available just before free agency, only the team in control of the player has the option of offering them an 8th year on their contract. Otherwise, if they're traded or signed as a free agent without a new deal already in place, the maximum term available to the new team would be 7 years.
In Barbashev's case, he may not be the flashiest name out there, but the 27-year-old is coming off of a spectacular playoffs, where he scored 7 goals and added 11 assists for 18 points in 22 games. Barbashev finished in a 3-way tie for 8th in playoff scoring, along with Leon Draisaitl and Jason Robertson.
Friedman didn't attach Barbashev to any specific team, but there is a strong belief that his first preference would be to return to Vegas. If that's not possible, then the next best option for the Golden Knights will be to facilitate a sign-and-trade.
Barbashev, depending on the cost, is a player who I'd love to see the Leafs target, be it in a sign-and-trade or as a UFA on July 1st.
