Just wondering if anyone knows why Barabanov and Lethonen go straight to UFA after their one year ELC and Mikeyhev is an RFA.

I believe it's due to age, you don't become a UFA before either being 26/7 years played.

Without the stoppage, Mikheyev's RFA status would've started in July.

I believe Barbanov will be an RFA but Lehtonen will be a UFA. I believe out of the 2 Lehtonen is gonna be the pure rental while Barbanov could be the keeper.

If Lehtonen plays like he did in the KHL unless he takes a bridge deal he will be out of the leafs price range

Barbanov I believe will be a keeper. I dont expect him to get more than 20 points thus Dubas can sign him for cheap and he can play 3rd/4th line role. If he can adapt to the NHL system man is this guy gonna be a defenseman's worst nightmare as his puck possession skills and elusiveness are dangerous.

Mikheyev, if he had played more regular season games situation might have been different.

Lehtonen is due to age and likely rental only.
Barabanov is wait and see I feel.