SOURCE: Just before the deadline, the Barabanov trade to the Rangers was completed.

Everything suggested that Alexander Barabanov would be traded.Afterwards, he was not.

Barabanov and Anthony Duclair were scratched on Thursday, the eve of the Trade Deadline, for trade-related reasons, indicating that moves were likely to come.

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Every indication suggested that Alexander Barabanov would be traded, but he wasn’t.

Barabanov and Anthony Duclair were scratched on Thursday, the eve of the Trade Deadline, for trade-related reasons, indicating that moves were likely to come.

Prior to the San Jose Sharks’ game against the New York Islanders that evening, Duclair was dealt; however, Barabanov continued to sit, and the Trade Deadline expired at noon on Friday.

What then transpired?

There was a trade for Tomas Hertl. The Sharks shockingly traded their franchise symbol to the despised Vegas Golden Knights. San Jose used their final salary retention slot, which was intended for Barabanov, on Hertl as part of the agreement.

Regarding Hertl’s retention, San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier stated as much yesterday: “It definitely came into play today.” Regretfully, it could have potentially cost us a deal.

What exactly was the deal?

Before the Hertl shocker crossed the finish line roughly 20 minutes before the Trade Deadline, a source told San Jose Hockey Now that Barabanov was set to be dealt to the New York Rangers.

It’s unclear what the San Jose Sharks would have received back from New York. There were also the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, and Nashville Predators.

With his $2.5 million AAV, the playmaking winger is someone the Rangers reportedly couldn’t afford without assistance.

Alas, Barabanov.

The undrafted free agent expressed openly how much he wanted to play NHL playoff hockey despite the Sharks not having extended a contract offer to him.

Upon being asked on Thursday how much he missed winning, the 29-year-old two-time Gagarin Cup champion was unable to hold back. “Oh my gosh, there’s just so much.” We were the KHL Cup winners every year when I was 25. huge contests. We didn’t win the World Championships, but we still received medals. Everything about the playoffs is missed. I play hockey because of it.

Leading the Metropolitan Division, the Rangers are undoubtedly a contender.

Positive aspects for Barbie?

Despite his difficulties thus far this year, he has attracted the attention of teams; if he has a strong season finale, he should be able to find better opportunities this summer.