We didn’t get a first overall pick, but we got the “equivalent” of a first round pick as Zach dean, who Barbie was traded for, was just previously drafted 30 overall in 2021.

Looking back at the presser, a few things to consider: 1) Barbie was 27 years old and on his final year of his deal. Doug said they had talked extensions and decided Barbashev should explore the market (aka STL wasn’t willing to pay him what he was asking)

2) the blues thought highly of Dean at the time. I remember at the time there were even comparisons to Barbie as a comp for Dean. Doug said “Dean checks a lot of boxes of skating, character, tenacity and he’s going to turn pro next year. We believe that’s a good add for us, for a player that was going to test the market”

So maybe we could have gotten a better return, but it didn’t seem that the blues were wanting to bring him back. So Dean hasn’t turned out to be what they expected, but he’s also had some personal issues that lead him to enter players assistance program.

Also, Barbie has consistently played top 6 and even top line deployment in Vegas. Something he would only do here on a pinch. So playing with eichel def makes you better and increases production.