Maple Leafs close to signing Russian Alexander Barabanov

Maple Leafs GM, Kyle Dubas has been trying to find ways to keep himself busy over this 'pandemic pause' and negotiating deals with Russian free agents appears to have made the list.

The Leafs are closing in a deal with Alexander Barabanov, which could be announced as early as Monday. Barabanov, a forward with the KHL's SKA Saint Peterburg's has his list down to two teams, the Coyotes and the Leafs, however, it appears the Leafs have the inside track to finalizing a deal. Barabanov is represented by Dan Milstein who also happens to be the agent for the Leafs rookie Ilya Mikheyev, and from all accounts Mikheyev is extremely happy with his decision to join the Leafs.

Barabanov caught the Leafs attention last May at the World Championships when he flourished on a line with Evgeni Kuznetsov and Alev Ovechkin. He was coming off a great season where he finished with 46 points in 58 games. This past season Barabanov was a touch inconsistent with only 20 points in 43 games.

Here's a taste of what Leafs Nation has coming: