Getting Ivan Barbashev back will boost the Golden Knights top line

Have you ever gotten what you wanted for Christmas and were so excited to show everyone? Sure, the holidays might be a couple weeks past due. But that's the feeling Vegas Golden Knights fans got as a certain Russian forward returned to the lineup on Saturday against the New York Rangers.

Ivan Barbashev (upper-body) returned to the Golden Knights lineup a month after being taken out of commission against the Minnesota Wild on December 12. The winger has 15 goals and 15 assists this season and is projected to score 33 goals and 33 assists. Those 33 goals would be a career-high for Barbashev, cementing him as a key part of the top six forward group.

The news is great as the Golden Knights will see their schedule ramp up. Sunday will see them play the Minnesota Wild, followed by games against the Carolina Hurricanes (January 17). January will also see three straight games against the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars (twice), two teams firmly in playoff contention.

Therefore, it's time for (say it with me, class)...

All hands on deck! What does the addition of Barbashev do for the team, specifically the top line? Will the Golden Knights handle the increased workload against playoff teams like the Hurricanes and Stars?

What Ivan Barbashev does for the Vegas Golden Knights

Fans know how good Ivan Barbashev is in transition. He goes full steam into the opponent's defensive zone, using impressive handles and dekes to slip past opposing defenders. With Eichel running up the ice with him, the duo can wreak havoc on the attack, creating odd man rushes off successful forechecks.

That's why the pair has a GF% of 65.22 (stats from Natural Stat Trick) in 197:42 of TOI. Eichel and Barbashev form a quick pair that can punish you for turning over the puck, leaving you guessing on what will happen next.

While Barbashev isn't blocking shots any time soon, he has his linemates who can balance him out. Mark Stone provides a two-way play that translates into offensive transition opportunities. Eichel can elevate anybody on his line and coordinate scoring opportunities with his teammates. Barbashev brings a fast, physical style to the front line, making him a scoring threat at any time.

Notching 180 hits last season is proof that he's a tough presence. In fact, he averages 145 hits in an 82-game season. That hard-hitting style makes the Golden Knights tougher in various aspects, providing them with another strong body. Keegan Kolesar isn't the only player who's tough on the ice, which will give the team some punch.

When you're facing off against the best teams in the NHL, you need the best players on your team. You can't rely on Henderson Silver Knights players to carry the load, specifically if they're playing 20-30 games in a season. Luckily, Golden Knights fans can rejoice in seeing one of the key pieces on the top line return. Eichel and Stone are certainly thanking their lucky stars their Russian linemate is back in the fold.