One of the biggest things on the Edmonton Oilers shopping list this summer is acquiring an offensive minded defenceman who can run a powerplay. The toughest part about this for the Oilers? These guys simply do not grow on trees and Edmonton is in need of a right-handed option, even more rare.
One of these rare players may just be available this off-season via trade. The Colorado Avalanche will doubtlessly be undergoing changes this off-season, and shipping out D Tyson Barrie could be an option. Barrie is a pending RFA and is slated to get a big raise on his current AAV of $2,600,000.
Why Is He Out There?:
Barrie, one of the most prolific offensive defenders in the NHL today, may just be pricing himself out of the Mile High City. According to reports, talks between the sides broke down during the season and the Avalanche aren’t sure that they’ll be able to re-sign him. Colorado may have to trade his RFA rights for help elsewhere, possibly at center.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman was on 630 CHED recently and had this to say about Barrie and what may happen with him this off-season (Full piece by Chris Nichols here):
Tyson Barrie, absolutely – I think for the right deal he’s available. I know this year Colorado had a lot of issues trying to get him signed, and at one point I got the sense they were really doubtful it would happen. So I do think that he’s available.
What Does He Do Well?:
He isn’t one of the most popular or discussed names in the NHL, but I don’t think it’s an understatement to call Tyson Barrie one of the best offensive defenders in the game today. This is an extremely quick and mobile defender with exceptional offensive instincts. Barrie can jump in on the rush and is a legit threat in the offensive zone.
Offensively, Barrie is a terrific passer. His ability to lead smooth breakouts and to get the puck to the attacking forwards with ease has made him so successful with a young and dynamic group of forwards in Colorado. He’d be a breath of fresh air for Oiler forwards who struggled handling grenade passes the last few years.
Barrie also possesses a tremendously accurate and strong shot, which sets him up as a double threat offensively. He’s also a legit powerplay quarterback, something the Oil are sorely lacking.
Defensively, he’s not overly consistent. Barrie struggles against bigger forwards and doesn’t play a physical style, which sometimes leads to him struggling against the cycle. Overall, however, he’s a smart player and his instincts allow him to be effective in the defensive zone more often than not.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play?:
Without a doubt, if the Oilers traded for Tyson Barrie this off-season he would play on the top-pairing opposite of Oscar Klefbom. Barrie would not only be Edmonton’s top offensive defender right off the bat, he would also be the team’s best right-shooting option. It’s a no brainer to put him in this spot.
In Colorado, Barrie handled a top-pairing role, playing 23:11 per night. So, while he might not be the top option, Barrie can in fact handle a top-pairing role and likely would not be in over his head in this spot in Edmonton. He’s not the ideal fit for a top-pairing role, but he can do it.
What Will He Cost?:
This is an interesting one, because Colorado could do a lot of things here. The Avalanche could trade Barrie to Edmonton for a center, say Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and then trade Matt Duchene for a defender to replace Barrie. That, however, seems a little unlikely.
Twitter user @akaRCN suggested a deal involving the 4th overall pick and Benoit Pouliot going to Colorado for Tyson Barrie. I’m not sure if that is a deal I would do, but it seems like something that could be the blueprint of a deal between these two sides.
Closing Argument:
Tyson Barrie should be one of the names on Peter Chiarelli’s white board of defensive options. He has some warts, no doubt, but his skills are a perfect match for what Edmonton needs. If the price is right and Colorado is willing to move this player, then the Oilers should be all over it.
Realistically, the odds suggest that a better puck-mover and powerplay option will not be available this summer. It’s also worth noting that some insiders close to the Oilers keep suggesting this player. This is no doubt someone to keep your eyes on.
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