I like this optimism but Pavs would choose to resign in DAL and Jarry PIT

I think the Canes would take that, but will probably shoot to lower the price a little. As for the Fast signing, he has no motivation to sign that for SJ. If he signs that it’s with either NYR or the Canes.

Also OTT, ANA, and CBJ are messing up SJ's tank year. I was expecting all 3 to be much better. SJ likely won't get the ~2nd or 3rd OA it will take for Fantilli
unless they ship out Meier...

Fast is the 13th forward. Easily replaced.

Barabanov will likely hit 50 points this year. That's a very fair deal for a 50 point player under 3mil

That’s a steal of a deal for the canes, at his cap hit the sharks should be pushing hard for more than that. They got a 1st for Goodrow who had 2 years left on his deal and he only had 24 points in 62 games. Barabanov has 17 points in 24 games now.

I do get that this is probably an underpayment for Barabanov. I’m just saying they still see if SJ goes lower. Buy as low as possible on higher value pieces, that’s the name of the game.

As for your Goodrow point, he had term at a cheap cap hit, and was also the final piece that Tampa needed for the cup runs. I don’t think Barabanov has that “final piece” look that Goodrow had, but I could be wrong there.

It’s not a far off comparison, who would have known Tampa would go on to win 2 cups with Goodrow who was really a depth player. Barabanov does make more that’s true, but with retention he’s really cheap for basically a top 6 forward. Might not play top 6 on a great team like the canes however. Not many top 6 caliber guys can be had at $2 mil aav

Barabanovs defensive game is heavily undervalued. He backchecks hard, blocks shots and takes hits in the dzone to make plays. There's a reason why Quinn consistently rewards him with top six minutes and Quinn is known to doghouse star players for lacklustre effort. Barabanov is a true triple threat and has far, far more value than the one dimensional Goodrow.

I wouldn't be surprised if Grier swings for Nybeck and a 1st just for the sheer quality that Barby brings on a nightly basis.

As much as I would love to see Barabanov on the Canes, and as much as he would likely fit in Rod’s system, the problem is where would he get played. That being said, that problem is relatively easily solved whenever Rod throws the lines in the blender.

How about a counter offer of 2023 2nd rounder, Nybeck, and Puistola for Barabanov half retained and a 2023 6th rounder?