Confirmed with Link: Barbashev to VGK for a Zach Dean

[Mike Liut]

I’d consider this 2023 1st rd equivalent. Pretty good trade

 

[PJJJP]

I'm satisfied with that return

 

[Stealth JD]

Anything better than a fifth round pick is cool with me. Whether Dean proves to be such remains to be seen. Either way, I’m fine with moving on from Barbashev. I didn’t want the Blues to be writing that next contract; so happy he’s been moved.

 

[CaliforniaBlues310]

Another solid return. I wonder if he’ll push for the 3C spot in camp next year, or if he needs a year or so in Springfield.

 

[bleedblue1223]

I'm good with this.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

I’d consider this 2023 1st rd equivalent. Pretty good trade

It's better than a 1st-round pick that we haven't yet selected. Dean is already on his way to becoming a solid NHLer.

Almost the exact spot in which Barbashev was selected. Not bad.

 

[Blueston]

I’d say he becomes our #3 prospect immediately. Or 4 if you still consider neighbours as prospect. Real nice return.

 

[67Blues]

It's better than a 1st-round pick that we haven't yet selected. Dean is already on his way to becoming a solid NHLer.

Almost the exact spot in which Barbashev was selected. Not bad.

2 year jump on getting to the show compared to a 2023 really late first who is an unknown.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

2 year jump on getting to the show compared to a 2023 really late first who is an unknown.

Zackly! Good trade.

In fact, this is a great trade. Dean will fit in nicely with RT, JK, Bolduc, Snuggy, Neighbours etc.

We'll have another one or two youngsters right after them from this year's draft.

Just gotta fix the D.

 

[PJJJP]

Another thing to note is that we still have a retention slot left

 

[bleedblue1223]

I liked the idea of Minten from Toronto and Dean certainly fits that type of prospect. Get the othe top 6 center in this draft with the hope of Dean being the 3rd line center.

 

[STL fan in MN]

Zach Dean, C, 20 (Gatineau Olympiques)​

Despite good but uninspiring production and a history of injuries, you won’t find many scouts who are down on Dean because he plays such a likable game. Between his hard work, his constant application of pressure, his always-in-motion movement with or without the puck, the trust he earns, his willingness to attack the interior, the tempo he plays with and sets physically, his details along the wall, and the little plays he makes around the ice in give-and-goes, he plays a pro-style game. Mix in fast hands, a strong neutral-zone game as a carrier, a smooth and flowing stride with good power, advanced athleticism and a muscular build, a decent one-timer, and you’ve got the makings of a driver who can play through contact and make plays. I’m looking forward to watching him when the games get tight in the QMJHL playoffs, because Gatineau has title aspirations and he’s going to have to lead the charge. He projects as your prototypical third-line center.

 

[Blueston]

This is best prospect that has moved at deadline so far.

 

[STL fan in MN]

Another thing to note is that we still have a retention slot left

That’s a good point. Might be able to get a mid round pick by helping some other teams out cover some Cap.

 

[PerryTurnbullfan]

Yeah he looks like he started hockey late and is 19, don't know anything about him, just strands of public speculation

After seeing a clip on hockey fights.com, I don't think he has much of a future. He needs to learn how to block and not with his face.....

 

[PocketNines]

He sounds like a poor man's Phillip Danault maybe?

 

[Novacain]

This feels like we traded 3 months of Barbashev for a long time with future Barbashev. A legitimately really solid 3rd center for years is a more then fine return.

 

[STL fan in MN]

I’d say he becomes our #3 prospect immediately. Or 4 if you still consider neighbours as prospect. Real nice return.

That’s where I’d place him too.

And maybe even above Neighbours since generally a 3C would be considered more valuable than a 3LW.

 

[67Blues]

Could Dean be a mini-Backes? A 3C who has some scoring but brings a lot of sandpaper and physicality?

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Could Dean be a mini-Backes? A 3C who has some scoring but brings a lot of sandpaper and physicality?

That is exactly the comparison I thought of!!

 

[Blueston]

That’s where I’d place him too.

And maybe even above Neighbours since generally a 3C would be considered more valuable than a 3LW.

Another key aspect is center was weakest area of our prospect depth. Complements our system well.

 

[LGB]

Nice

 

[Celtic Note]

Solid prospect for a 3rd Liner like Barby, even if Dean projects as a 3rd line center.

Dean has some Perron like qualities in the offensive zone. Great hands and tenacious.

His shot is not comparable, nor is his offensive output. He will be closer to Barby in output.

Defensively he seems pretty sound.

He really needs to work on his muscle mass though, especially for the way he plays.

 

[sfvega]

He's a wizard. Doug Armstrong is a goddamn wizard. Two 1sts and a recent first, a 2nd, and two 3rds when basically our entire team was having a bad year, and two of those guys were coming off of injury, and two NTCs.

 

[ChicagoBlues]

He's a wizard. Doug Armstrong is a goddamn wizard. Two 1sts and a recent first, a 2nd, and two 3rds when basically our entire team was having a bad year, and two of those guys were coming off of injury, and two NTCs.

It helped a lot that we had three of the best pieces available in ROR, Vladi and Barbs.