2014 NHL Draft Watch: Ivan Barbashev

Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

In anticipation of the Sharks’ 2014 NHL Draft selection, we will be highlighting the top 30 prospects over the next few weeks.

Name: Ivan Barbashev

Position: Center/Left Wing

Handedness: Left

Current Team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Jersey Number: 22

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 185 lbs.

Birthdate: 12/14/1995

Hometown: Moscow, Russia

Following his Russian hockey career as a teenager, Ivan Barbashev was selected with the first overall pick by the Moncton Wildcats at the 2012 CHL Import Draft. Before beginning his North American junior career, Barbashev took part in the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament where he scored one goal in four games.

In his rookie campaign with the Wildcats, Barbashev scored 18G and 44A for 62 points in 68 games and was a plus-9. In the 2013 playoffs, he scored one goal and two assists for 3 points in 5 GP.

So far in the 2013-2014 season, Barbashev has scored 13G and 24A for 37 points in 29 GP. He is also a minus-3, a stat he will need to improve over the second half of the season leading up to the draft.

Future Considerations has this scouting report on Barbashev:

Barbashev is a skilled playmaking winger with impressive vision and passing ability. He thrives in a high-paced offense. Has a good, hard shot and isn’t transparent about making a pass or firing it on net. Has dynamic talent but inconsistent in his efforts.

Barbashev is currently playing for Team Russia at the WJC U-20 tournament. He has 1G and 1A for 2 points in 3 GP and is a plus-3. He will return to Moncton after the tournament is over and will look to have a strong second half before the draft, where he is expected to be selected early in the first round.