Barbashev on the 3rd line instead of Maroon would go hard

That's not winning a Barby race.

He's worth a 2nd+prospect. Who the prospect is can be up for discussion, but he's not worth a 1st.

Yeah... a 23 2nd. And he's both cheap and versatile, so there will be a crowd if the Blues don't just extend him.

I personally wouldn't really be too thrilled about the Blues moving him for a presumably late 24 2nd. It does really nothing to help us within the next 5 years if at all. I don't know who that prospect is, but i'd imagine a 24 year old who is putting up ok numbers in the AHL isn't exactly an enticing piece to add. Then again, Tampa really doesn't have many prospects that are all that enticing that it would make since to move in a barbashev trade. Maybe like Jack Thompson a 23 3rd and a 2nd in 24/25 would be a bit more of a competitive offer of what i'd expect Barbashev to bring back. Then again, who knows, you could be closer than i am.

That's fine. If it has to be a '23 2nd, then Tampa will work with one of the other teams that will be selling middle/bottom 6 F rentals. If Barbashev is the guy that Brisebois wants, I have little doubt he'll make it work. If Barbashev either had term or Tampa felt they could re-sign him, they'd offer more no doubt. Since the pick would have to be a '24 2nd, I could see Tampa offering a higher level prospect(whether one with higher upside but a year or two away,or one that is basically ready now). If JBB is convinced he's the add that gives them the best chance to win the Cup again this year, even the '25 1st wouldn't necessarily be off limits, although the prospect quality would then be far less.