Former Lightning Target Generating KHL Interest

This former Lightning target could find a new home overseas.

Leading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, the Tampa Bay Lightning were reportedly among the teams in the mix for Alexander Barabanov. However, the San Jose Sharks did not end up trading the winger, and he is now a free agent as we inch closer to August.

Given the Lightning’s previous interest in Barabanov, he is a player who has been viewed as a potential bargain target for the club this summer. However, it seems possible that he could end up signing overseas. 

Barabanov’s agent, Yuri Nikolaev, informed Championat’s Pavel Panyshev that the skilled winger has received interest from multiple KHL teams.

Before entering the NHL as a member of the 2020-21 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Barabanov played seven seasons in the KHL. Thus, it would not shocking if the Russian forward returned to the KHL. This is especially true if he continues not receiving an NHL offer to his liking on the market. 

However, if Barabanov does not head to the KHL, the Lightning could be a club to watch. As noted above, they had an interest in him last season. In addition, it would not hurt for them to add more depth on the wing before the start of the season.

Barabanov appeared in 46 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, posting four goals and 13 points. While it was a down year for him, he also had 47 points in 68 games just back in 2022-23 with the Sharks, so he is a potential bounce-back candidate. 

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