San Jose Sharks Trading Alexander Barabanov

The San Jose Sharks are sellers ahead of Friday's trade deadline and one name to add to the list of players departing is forward Alexander Barabanov.

The Russian winger will be held out of Thursday's game and be moved before the 3pm deadline on Friday. Barabanov is a pending free agent who is owed $2.5 million against the cap this season and holds a 10-team modified no-trade clause.

Can confirm Barabanov is being scratched tonight for trade-related reasons. Not sure on Duclair yet.

But told there is “significant interest” in both heading into tomorrow
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) March 7, 2024

Duclair and Barabanov doing some extra work after the morning skate. Last practice in San Jose? pic.twitter.com/49rzt7JVuI
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) March 7, 2024

Alex Barabanov reportedly wants to join a Cup contender. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/G6edGgrFew
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 6, 2024

Barabanov's battled injuries this season and hasn't been able to find his offensive game he's showcased in San Jose in the past. Last season he recorded 15 goals and 47 points in 68 games, meanwhile this season has scored just three times and added seven assists.

Barabanov has never appeared in a Stanley Cup Playoff game and is two games away from 200 NHL appearances. He's seen his power-play time cut in half this season which is one of the biggest reasons why the production is down. The Sharks forward isn't necessarily a rugged winger but he's not afraid to fly in on the forecheck and muck it up in the dirty areas of the ice.

There's several contending teams looking for depth forwards so look for a playoff-bound team to send a mid-round pick to San Jose to complete this deal before Friday's deadline.