Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie is set to get paid and it appears the Avs are getting ready to shop the talented rearguard.
Despite being handcuffed playing with Nick Holden as his defensive partner throughout the season, the 24-year-old still had an impressive year with 13 goals, 36 assists, and 49 points in 78 games, fifth on the Avs in scoring. Barrie has shown skill which puts him in the upper echelon of offensive defensemen. Given that skill, Barrie, a restricted free agent, is due for a big raise. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.ca appeared on Sportsnet 960 and said there’s a good chance the Avalanche will move Barrie. (H/T transcribed by Chris Nichols)
“Yeah, it’s nothing fresh. I’ve mentioned to you before I think it’s very likely he gets moved. I think that there are some teams out there who like Tyson Barrie.
“That Vancouver trade I guess came together really quick, it was over a day or so, so I think things can happen quickly. But I still think for the most part, we’re going to see these conversations closer to the draft as opposed to now.
“I still think there’s a good chance that Barrie is getting moved.”
While trading Barrie, the Avalanche’s most talented defenseman isn’t a great play by Colorado, clearing his potentially high cap hit should add relief to the team’s cap. Nathan MacKinnon, Mikhail Grigorenko, and Calvin Pickard are all fellow RFA’s, so money is going to have to be allocated properly to pay everyone. Barrie might be a casualty of cap space.
If Barrie does hit the trade market, expect tons of interest in him. Considering Erik Gudbranson just got a top prospect and two good draft picks, Barrie should yield a huge return if he’s dealt.
Will Colorado deal him? Time will tell.
