Scouting Report: Ivan Barbashev, LW, Moncton (QMJHL)

Central Scouting Rank: 18

Bio

2013-14 Stats

Overview

Barbashev wants to play in the NHL. After being drafted into the KHL last season, he turned down their contract to play with the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL. He has played in four international tournaments representing Russia including the 2013 World Junior Championship.

He was the youngest member of Russia's WJC team who won bronze, and although not a huge part of the team he learned to adapt. He played on the third line and took his share of shifts on the penalty kill. All assets for a young player.

Playing in Moncton for the Wildcats was something Barbashev wanted to ensure he was a first-round pick in June, "It was really important to me, because I want to play in the NHL. I talked to my family and my agent and we said, yeah, I should move to Canada."

And after the move he was drafted first overall in the CHL entry draft.

If any team needs a scorer with vision, ability to help out on the penalty kill and may be a demon opponents on the power play, he'd fit in. The Florida Panthers could use a player with great hands like Barbashev, inclusing the Carolina Hurricanes or Washington Capitals.

Pro Comparison

Ryan Kesler

Scouts are saying

Troy Dumville, NHL Central Scouting

Physical at times, blocks shots, does a lot of the little things well. Moved to center this year and seemed to be a good transition for him.

Shane Turner, Dallas Scout

If you didn't look at the name on the back of his sweater you would swear he was a North American player. He's physical, has a good level of skill, has some pop in his stride. He's a 200-foot player.

Highlights