"NHL Trade Deadline Drama: Rangers' Missed Opportunity, Vegas Lands Hertl, Leafs' Regret, and More"

Alexander Barabanov was expected to be traded before the NHL trade deadline, but the deal fell through at the last minute, reportedly due to the San Jose Sharks using their last salary retention slot on Tomas Hertl. A source revealed that Barabanov was about to be traded to the New York Rangers before the Hertl trade shocker reached the finish line. Despite his struggles, there is still significant interest in Barabanov, and he hopes to have a strong finish to the season and find a new team in the summer.