So much for the big KHL signings. The Toronto Maple Leafs have now traded both Mikko Lehtonen and Alexander Barabanov after just a handful of games in the NHL, with the latter going to the San Jose Sharks at the deadline. The Sharks will send Antti Suomela to Toronto in return.
Barabanov played just 13 games for the Maple Leafs after signing his one-year entry-level contract. A strong KHL performer who recorded 46 points in 2018-19, he came to Toronto this season with an eye on regular NHL minutes and wasn’t ever really able to secure them. Even when dressing he averaged fewer than nine minutes a night, and though there were flashes of skill, Barabanov failed to score even a single goal.
With Nick Foligno acquired recently and top prospect Nicholas Robertson back up with the team, there wasn’t going to much more playing time for Barabanov with the Maple Leafs. He’ll try to get some extra playing time in San Jose, but the reality is that a return to the KHL could be coming fast. The 26-year-old is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year.
Suomela, 27, shouldn’t be considered much of a return for the Maple Leafs, even though he does have 51 games of NHL experience. He’s a depth forward that hasn’t even dominated at the AHL level, meaning he’ll be hard-pressed to crack the Maple Leafs skilled forward group.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
This is going to hurt Dubas’ GM rep rating in NHL 12.
Ol' Voodoo
HAHAHAHA.
backhandinbaptist
How will dubas ever get 4th line depth players from Russia to sign with the leafs again..rookie move Kyle…that’s 4 goals a year you’re missing out on…
Bucky76
I really think Dubas did a good job today bring in depth players with what he has to work with… Superstars don’t win in the playoffs by themselves they need a supporting cast..well done Kyle…and to think I am not a leafs fan…