Insider Reveals Brad Treliving May Bring Back Former Maple Leaf Forward at the Trade Deadline
Alexander Barabanov took a highly unusual route to becoming an everyday NHL player. After spending the first five years of his career in the KHL, he made the jump to the NHL by signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
However, the team traded him to the San Jose Sharks after he played just 13 games with the team, recording just a single assist. Now the veteran winger could be back with his old club.
NHL insider links Barabanov to Toronto Maple Leafs
David Pagnotta believes the Leafs may be interested in a reunion with the 29-year-old winger. While Barabanov does not really fill any of the team's biggest needs, he could provide some affordable depth scoring to a team that has lacked exactly that in recent years.
Barabanov carves out regular role with San Jose Sharks
When Barabanov was traded to the Sharks, not much was thought about the trade. At that point Barabanov had just 13 games of NHL experience and he had not performed well. However, he turned things around immediately upon joining the Sharks, becoming a fan favorite right away.
Barabanov has played 176 games in his career with the Sharks putting up 31 goals and 102 points in that span.
Barabanov has dealt with injuries this year limiting his effectiveness. He has three goals and 9 points in 29 games with the league-worst Sharks this season. Stay tuned to see if Brad Treliving brings the former Leaf back into the fold this season.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily - Insider says a former Leaf may end up back in Toronto at the deadline
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Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade for Alexander Barabanov? | ||
| Yes | 345 | 32.8 % |
| No | 708 | 67.2 % |
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