Ivan Barbashev

A violent force on the forecheck, Ivan Barbashev transformed the top six following his acquisition from the St. Louis Blues prior to the 2023 trade deadline. The 1995-born Russian forward, originally selected 33rd overall in 2014, specializes in doing the heavy lifting for elite playmakers. He acts as a human wrecking ball along the end boards, punishing opposing defensemen and retrieving loose pucks to extend offensive possession. His ability to finish checks cleanly without taking penalties makes him a remarkably effective complementary winger.

He owns two Stanley Cup rings, earning his second alongside Jack Eichel and William Karlsson during the 2023 championship run. Beyond his sheer physicality, he possesses soft enough hands to capitalize on the scoring chances his forechecking creates. He consistently drives directly to the painted area, absorbing cross-checks to screen goaltenders and hunt for deflections. Providing an indispensable blend of grit and finishing touch, he ensures the top offensive units maintain a terrifying physical edge that exhausts defenders over the course of a long game.