The NHL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and the Vegas Golden Knights have now dipped their toes into the pool of players up for grabs.
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon dealt away 2021 first round forward prospect, Zach Dean, 20, in exchange for 27-year-old veteran forward Ivan Barbashev on Sunday morning. Barbashev has played for the St. Louis Blues during his entire NHL career up to this point. He was an important member of the Blues Stanley Cup-winning team in 2019. One of his teammates on that championship squad was current Golden Knights defenseman, Alex Pietrangelo.
Pietrangelo was quoted in an article written by Gary Lawless on NHL.com as saying: “This is a good pick up for us. An underrated pick up for us.” He went on to describe Barbashev’s role with St. Louis when they won the Stanley Cup: “The year we won, he played on the fourth line in a shutdown role against Boston’s best players and he was a big reason why we won. He’s versatile, he plays the game hard and he likes to win.”
Vegas Golden Knights head coach, Bruce Cassidy, was Boston’s bench boss during that Stanley Cup Finals series in 2019. Quoting from the Lawless article again: “Hardnosed guy. Back then he was a physical fourth line energy guy who would get to the inside. They didn’t use him in an offensive role but he did his job really well. He was very effective,” said Cassidy.Â
The Golden Knights already have a very talented starting lineup. However, some players and coaches have felt that the team needs a little more grit and hard-nosed play on some of the top 3 lines. They have players like William Carrier, Paul Cotter, and Keegan Kolesar, who like to bring the physical aspect to their game. It appears GM Kelly McCrimmon agrees with those players and coaches who felt they needed more players like that as we get closer to the playoffs.
In another article on NHL.com, McCrimmon is quoted as saying: “We have a very good team, but this complements and broadens the skill set and makeup of our roster in terms of that type of player. He gets to the inside. He plays a hard game. He’s at the net. He kills penalties. He’ll have an important role.”
Barbashev will be wearing his regular #49 for the Golden Knights on Monday night in Denver when Vegas takes on the defending Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche at 6pm Pacific Time.
Will McCrimmon be making more moves before the 12 noon Pacific Time trade deadline this Friday, March 3rd? We will soon find out.
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Larry Martino is the long-time Afternoon Drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
These 21 Tees Are Must Haves For Sports Fans
Hit Hard Run Fast Turn Left
This tee sums up baseball all up 6 words. Made of 100% cotton and available in 10 different colors this is a Must Have for any baseball player or fan.
Hockey: It's Like Football
Be prepared for some tough conversations if you wearing this around your friends who are big football fans. This tee is 100% cotton and features a tagless tag. While it’s only available in grey, it’s available in sizes Small to XXL.
Nashville Superspeedway
Your love of NASCAR will be front and center when you don this t-shirt. We really dig the Nashville Superspeedway graphic that features a guitar and the Heather Charcoal color of the tee.
Football Ball Heartbeat
With an array of 10 different t-shirt color options and sizing up to 3XL, this football will speak to the heart of true football fans.
Bronx Boxing Club
As pretty as a left jab followed by a right cross, this t-shirt is perfect to throw on after hanging up the gloves for the night. We’re fans of the classic distressed look of the artwork. Its also available in 5 colors, though we’re realling liking the Asphalt option.
Road to Tokyo
If you’re ready to cheer on Team USA to victory this summer, this one could fit you to a tee. We think this is a gold medal worthy design and the way the stars themed graphic looks on the charcoal fabric make it a classic.
Vintage Baseball
This vintage design will have you shouting “Play Ball!” How cool is the graphic? Love that it includes a Catcher, pitcher, and a batter. And the color scheme screams 70s and we love that. 5 different t-shirt color options and sizes up to 3XL are available.
Call of Duty League
Every wardrobe needs a solid long sleeve t-shirt and for a fan of Call of Duty, this could be a nice addition to yours. Sizes run from small to 3XL and the shirt features the much loved tagless collar.
Manchester United adidas
When you put on this tee there will be no question that you are all in for Manchester United. Is it the large team logo or the bright red color of the t-shirt that stands out more? Put them together and you’ve got a winning super fan combo.
The Golf Father
If you’re wearing this t-shirt don’t be surprised if you find yourself telling the folks in your foursome that you’ll “make them an offer they can’t refuse.” How fun is this tee! It’s the perfect gift for any golfer…even yourself.
Team USA Nike
U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A.! Available in navy and white, you’ll be dressed to help cheer on Team U.S.A. to history with this top-performing t-shirt. Don’t worry about working up a sweat, it features Dri-FIT technology that wicks away moisture to help keep the fabric feeling dry and comfortable.
Overwatch League
Get your game on and get ready to play! With the large Overwatch League logo front and center, there will be no mistaking that you’re a fan. It’s 100% cotton and available in sizes S to XL.
Arsenal adidas
If you find yourself absently chanting “We all follow the Arsenal onto victory,” then you’ll need to take a second look at this tee. As we’ve established, we love a long-sleeved t-shirt and you can get this one in grey or red. Bonus…it’s available in sizes up to 4XL.
Team USA 2020 Summer Olympics
Light up the night with this bright and beautiful t-shirt that shows your pride in Team USA.
Good Game, I Hate You
This is seriously one of the funniest shirts we’ve seen in a while. It really speaks to the feeling that many of us who play sports and haven’t exactly won…may or may not have felt once or twice. This one may be the perfect gift for a few people we know. Jack…I’m looking at you.
