Leafs sign Alexander Barabanov

Alexander Barabanov, an undrafted Russian playing in the KHL, has signed a one-year entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 25-year-old played last season with SKA Saint Petersburg, notching 11 goals and nine assists in 43 games.

According to Igor Eronko of Sport-Express, Barabanov has "what it takes to be a full-time NHL player. He won't be a star, but he could become a great 3rd line player with ability to move up to replace injured guys. His skating is great as well as his work ethics, he's very strong, he's a beast one on one. "

Eronko adds if there's any knock against the five-foot-ten, 192 pounder, it's his shot.

Barabanov skated for Russia at the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, winning the gold medal in a 4-3 win over Germany. Barabanov has represented Russia three times at the World Championships, recording 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 28 games.The contract is a one year deal that kicks in at the start of the 2020-21 season.

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