Former Leaf leaves NHL after failing to find deal in free agency

As the Sharks continue to tank and sell off assets, the list of players who are leaving the team continues to grow. The Sharks have lost yet another member of their original core, as Barabanov decided to return home to play in the KHL.

Barabanov has been with the Sharks since 2020-21 and has put up a respectable 107 points in 206 games played. He has been a solid member of the Sharks' depth, adding some offense to the middle 6.

Barabanov was a free agent this year and decided to head back to Russia instead of signing with an NHL team. He had requested a trade last year from the Sharks, but after a step back in production even his 2.5M cap hit was a little too much for teams to take on.

Teams had expressed interest in Barabanov if the Sharks could retain salary, but with their last second deal sending Tomas Hertl to the Golden Knights they ran out of spots to be able to do so.

Barabanov would've been a serviceable bottom 6 winger on any team, but it seems that he'd rather go back to play in Russia. This is the popular progression for many Russian players, as they'd most likely make more playing in the KHL than they would signing a league minimum deal in the NHL.