The announcement of Ivan Barbashev signing a five-year extension with the Vegas Golden Knights has excited the NHL fan community. As news spread, fans took to Twitter to express their opinions and reactions to the significant move by the Golden Knights.Chris Johnston@reporterchrisIvan Barbashev signs a five-year extension with #VGK carrying a $5M AAV.31560Ivan Barbashev signs a five-year extension with #VGK carrying a $5M AAV.From nostalgic sentiments to unexpected support, the social media platform became a battleground for contrasting viewpoints.One passionate fan tweeted,"As much as I don’t want Smith to go, I do like Ivan staying."Christoolpher@DJChristoolpher@SinBinVegas As much as I don’t want Smith to go, I do like Ivan staying30@SinBinVegas As much as I don’t want Smith to go, I do like Ivan stayingAnother fan expressed a mix of resignation and foresight, stating,"They chose the top line over the misfits. Sad but kinda saw it coming."Zac Wardle@WardleZac@SinBinVegas They chose the top line over the misfits. Sad but kinda saw it coming8@SinBinVegas They chose the top line over the misfits. Sad but kinda saw it comingReflecting a different perspective, a fan confidently stated,"Rather have him than Smith honestly."Justin Probasco@ProbascoJustin@SinBinVegas Rather have him then Smith honestly.7@SinBinVegas Rather have him then Smith honestly.One fan appeared impressed by the swift action taken by the Vegas Golden Knights, remarking,"Wasted no time."Craig L Grant@VegasBorn1965@SinBinVegas Wasted no time 2@SinBinVegas Wasted no time 😳𝗜𝗮𝗻𝘄 🇨🇦@ianwcanucks@FriedgeHNIC Holy overpay, can't wait for them to follow this up with 4.9M a year deal to Adin Hill7@FriedgeHNIC Holy overpay, can't wait for them to follow this up with 4.9M a year deal to Adin HillChris Bouvé@TomFleecegerald@FriedgeHNIC That’s an UGLY overpayment@FriedgeHNIC That’s an UGLY overpayment😂NR@detnr19@FriedgeHNIC People saying overpay didn’t watch him in the playoffs3@FriedgeHNIC People saying overpay didn’t watch him in the playoffsTim Dudek@Tim_Dudek@Jeff_Ferdinand @SinBinVegas Yeah I’d rather have Barbashev than Smith as well. We can’t keep everyone…@Jeff_Ferdinand @SinBinVegas Yeah I’d rather have Barbashev than Smith as well. We can’t keep everyone…Mike Harrington@ByMHarringtonIt's a cold business. Reilly Smith gets traded less than two weeks after #VGK wins the Cup following a six-year run. They needed his money to sign Barbashev 5x5. Barbashev was great in winning his 2nd Cup and he's Eichel's linemate.2It's a cold business. Reilly Smith gets traded less than two weeks after #VGK wins the Cup following a six-year run. They needed his money to sign Barbashev 5x5. Barbashev was great in winning his 2nd Cup and he's Eichel's linemate.Boulevard Sports@BoulevardSportsI'm happy to see Barbashev back, but I hate that it came at the expense of Reilly Smith. More bitter than sweet.I'm happy to see Barbashev back, but I hate that it came at the expense of Reilly Smith. More bitter than sweet.From understanding and acceptance to surprise and even disappointment, Twitter served as an outlet for fans to express their reactions and engage in spirited discussions. Ultimately, the team's decision sparked debates among fans about the trade-offs and priorities involved in building a successful hockey team.A look at Ivan Barbashev's NHL careerIvan Barbashev had a remarkable start to his NHL career on January 25, 2017, when he made his debut against the Minnesota Wild. He was the second-highest scorer for the Wolves, with 37 points in 44 games.Just a few weeks later, on February 7, Barbashev scored his first NHL goal against Andrew Hammond of the Ottawa Senators. By the end of the season, he played 30 games for the St. Louis Blues, contributing 12 points, while also tallying 37 points in 46 games for the Wolves.In the following 2018-19 NHL season, Ivan Barbashev had a full season with the Blues, playing in 80 games and accumulating 26 points. It was a memorable year for Barbashev and the Blues as they won the Stanley Cup in a tough seven-game series against the Boston Bruins. During the playoffs, Barbashev showed his skills, earning six points in 25 games.Recognizing his contributions, the Blues re-signed Barbashev to a two-year contract extension worth $2.95 million on September 1, 2019. In the subsequent NHL seasons, Barbashev continued to improve his skills and make significant contributions to the Blues' roster.However, during the 2022-23 season, with the Blues not in playoff contention, Ivan Barbashev was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on February 26, 2023, in exchange for prospect Zach Dean. At the time of the trade, Barbashev had already scored 10 goals and accumulated 29 points in 59 games for the Blues.