Sharks Trade Candidate To Be Out "A While"

Going into the final year of his contract with an attractive $2.5M cap hit, after a strong season with 47 points in 68 games, it was clear that San Jose Sharks forward Alexander Barabanov would be a strong trade chip for the rebuilding Sharks. 

But that potential plan has taken a big hit as the Sharks have announced that Barabanov will be out for a long while. 

Alexander Barabanov, who absorbed a puck shot in last night's contest, will be missing some games for the #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/ZFzIJ06m24

— SHARK CITY HOCKEY (@SharkCityHockey) October 25, 2023

After he took a hard shot in the hand, it's been revealed that his upper-body injury is in fact a broken finger, and head coach David Quinn admits, “It’ll be a while...I don’t have a hard date, but it’ll be a while.

"(He's) a guy that we’re counting on to be one of our top-six forwards, contribute offensively,” Quinn said in lamenting yet another key injury.

The season couldn't have gotten off to a more dreadful start in San Jose, as the team is 0-5-1 and also without top centers Logan Couture and Mikael Granlund. 

It's a tough break for Barabanov as well, as he gets set to enter unrestricted free agency. 

The 29-year-old Russian skater first came to the NHL in 2020, after being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He spent the past three years with the Sharks, and is coming off a career year. 

Photo: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports