NHL Trade Rumors: Colorado Avalanche D Tyson Barrie

NHL Trade Rumors: Colorado Avalanche Restricted Free Agent Tyson Barrie on the Move This Summer?

Latest NHL trade rumors are surrounding Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie. He’s set to become a restricted free agent on July 1st, but TSN‘s Bob McKenzie doesn’t think the Avs will be comfortable paying him.

Barrie’s name has been floated in rumors throughout the entire 2015-16 NHL season. A story even broke down the final stretch suggesting that Colorado and Tyson Barrie’s agent had yet to begin discussing a new deal.

You get the impression that while Colorado loves Tyson’s offensive capabilities from the back end, but they might prefer a more defensively responsible player who can still chew up big minutes.

via NESN,

“There’s no question in my mind, I think Tyson Barrie is going to be traded,” McKenzie said Friday on TSN 1260, as transcribed by Chris Nichols.

“Yeah. Here’s what I think. This is not going to make any sense, but I’m going to say it anyways. Colorado is looking for a defenseman. But I don’t think they like the economic leverage that Tyson Barrie has right now.

“Tyson Barrie has got a very strong arbitration case. I think he’s going to be looking for a sum of money that Colorado doesn’t feel comfortable in giving him. Therefore I think they’re looking for somebody who — looking for a different type of defenseman maybe, or one that’s not going to cost them as much money.”

NHL Trade Rumors: Teams That Could Use Tyson Barrie, and Potential Targets in Return

Dallas Stars

After a disappointing finish, it’s unclear whether Dallas will re-sign Alex Goligoski or Jason Demers. They have promising pieces that are up-and-coming, but Tyson Barrie would be a major upgrade on that second pairing. A return package might include Valeri Nichushkin or Radek Faksa, plus other pieces in a multi-player deal.

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Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton is starved for a right-handed d-man. Barrie wouldn’t be the saviour to solve all answers, but simply a piece of the puzzle on that second pairing. Several upgrades on the blueline are necessary to fix the debacle in EDM. Maybe Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Jordan Eberle are names to begin a conversation with.

Los Angeles Kings

Ever since Slava Voynov left the Kings, a hole has existed on that second pairing. A quality RH defender would fill that void – such as Tyson Barrie. If you’re Sakic, return targets might include Tanner Pearson or Tyler Toffoli (good luck).

Montreal Canadiens

The Habs can’t afford to spend anymore money on defense without unloading something in return. If the Avs would be willing to take on Alexei Emelin or Jeff Petry (more difficult to pry away), a conversation might be had that includes other players such as Lars Eller or David Desharnais. We’d be looking at a multi-player deal here.

Philadelphia Flyers

Here’s another team that could use a RH d-man, even with a ton of defensive prospects on the way. Barrie could be that elusive missing piece that brings the group together in Philly.

For this to work, Colorado would need to absorb a contract such as Andrew MacDonald. Yes it’s a tad expensive for his abilities, but it could be the difference between acquiring Brayden Schenn opposed to Matt Read (merely an example of trade value).

Along with MacDonald and a quality forward, the Avs could probably also get their hands on another blueliner as part of a bigger deal.

Next: P.K. Subban's Name Re-Emerges in Trade Rumors

Tampa Bay Lightning

Here’s a situation where Steve Yzerman might be willing to sacrifice one of his many veteran defenders to add some offensive depth to the back end.

Admittedly a difficult scenario given the Lightning’s cap outlook over the next half decade, but things can change quickly. Maybe Steven Stamkos walks on July 1st, and Yzerman finds a way to trim salary – the possibilities exist for it to work if there was interest.

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