NHL Rumors: Team Emerging as Frontrunner for Ivan Barbashev

The Florida Panthers are looking to build off of their strong postseason run this offseason. They have been linked to Tyler Bertuzzi, but it appears that they also have another high-impact forward on their radar - Ivan Barbashev.

Andy Strickland recently wrote that we should not be surprised if the Panthers end up being the winners of the Barbashev sweepstakes.

It is clear that the Panthers could use a forward like Barbashev in their top six. The 27-year-old is a solid all-around player, as he puts up strong offensive production, plays a reliable defensive game, and is immensely physical. He is the kind of player that every contender would love to have, so it makes sense that the Panthers are gearing up to pursue him.

Barbashev posted 16 goals and 45 points in 82 regular-season games this year. He followed that up with 18 points in 22 postseason contests. Overall, it was a strong year for him, and he is set for a raise because of it. Let's see if the Panthers end up being the team that gives him just that.