5 Toronto Maple Leafs Rookies Who Can Make an Impact Soon
Alexander Barabanov
Last Team: SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
2019-20 Stats: 11 goals – 9 assists – 43 GP
Draft Year: Undrafted
Position: RW
Age: 26
Height/Weight: 5’10” – 192lbs
On April 7th, 2020, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced the signing of Russian winger Alexander Barabanov. Barabanov went undrafted as a teenager and eventually found a career playing with KHL top team, SKA St. Petersburg. Barabanov started playing in the KHL at the young age of 19. Over parts of 7 seasons with SKA, he has recorded a total of 137 points (62 g – 75 a) in 262 career games. He also contributed in securing SKA’s 2 KHL championships in 2015 and 2017.
It is said that Barabanov’s skating ability is elite and that his game will likely be able to translate over to the NHL to be a successful 3rd line guy. He will be someone who can move up and down the lineup to provide flexibility for Sheldon Keefe and the Leafs. Former KHL reporter Igor Eronko stated that he has great potential in the NHL and that his drive for the puck accompanied by his strength will provide some well-needed grit for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Barabanov's definitely got what it takes to be a full-time NHL player. He won't be a star, but he could become a great 3rd line player with ability to move up to replace injured guys. His skating is great as well as his work ethics, he's very strong, he's a beast one on one https://t.co/TiSG5FpJhG
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) April 7, 2020
He does have a scoring ability as well. Just a year ago during the 2018-19 season, Barabanov was second in team scoring, tallying 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points in 58 games. He has silky mitts and those accompanied by his skating and quick release leads to dangerous scoring opportunities.
Are you kidding us, Alex Barabanov?! #GagarinCup pic.twitter.com/aQeqrXZXxc
— KHL (@khl_eng) March 6, 2020
Barabanov will surely be an asset for the Toronto Maple Leafs and will bring a level of depth to the forward core following the departure of winger Kasperi Kapanen. Possibly, Barabanov will be able to slot into the spot that Kapanen left and play alongside Kerfoot on the third line. Regardless of where the 26-year-old ends up playing in the line-up, it is apparent that he brings versatility and strength to a team that needs it.