Colorado Avalanche Trade Talk: The future of Tyson Barrie

Whether it’s as a puck-moving defenseman or a trade piece, Tyson Barrie should play a significant role in the future of the Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche, after three seasons of toiling in mediocrity, seem to be heading in the right direction of their rebuild. Quietly, they’ve assembled an impressive core of young players and they’re not done yet. Credit general manager Joe Sakic for fixing what could have been a toxic situation. Nathan MacKinnon is looking like the franchise cornerstone center everyone believed he could be. However, the most important factor in their future could be defenseman Tyson Barrie.

Barrie was the subject of one of Elliotte Friedman’s “thoughts” in his latest 31 Thoughts segment.

"Curious to see what will happen with [Barrie]. I could see other clubs trying to pry him out of there, since Colorado is on a tear while he’s absent. Everyone needs puck-moving D."

Friedman expanded on this rumor in his latest 31 Thoughts podcast (starts around 44:37).

"“I do think there are going to be teams that ask Colorado, ‘What are you doing with Tyson Barrie here?'”"

He also notes the Toronto Maple Leafs haven’t been shy about their interest in him. So why should the Avalanche even consider trading Barrie? He’s a quality puck mover and those are harder to find in today’s NHL than you think. They have a ton of value and everyone’s looking for one.

The Case For Trading Barrie

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In business, it’s good to sell high and buy low. It’s also helpful to realize when an asset might be more valuable as a piece to help you acquire an even better asset. Both these points apply to professional sports and athletes.

The emergence of Samuel Girard (received from the Nashville Predators in the Matt Duchene and Kyle Turris blockbuster) changes things. Friedman talks about how his arrival has energized the Avalanche. Girard is tiny, but he’s an energetic player who plays a very solid game. Though he has just nine points in his 33 games with them, he looks to be an important part of their future.

Combine that with the development of 2016 first-round pick Cale Makar, and the Avalanche have an exciting future on their blue line. And it begs the question if Colorado would be better off without Barrie.

He has two years remaining on his deal after this one. Barrie is a puck-moving defenseman. Everyone is looking to add another one of those these days. Especially teams like the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. Though Barrie is currently injured, it’s hard not to think there could be a bidding war for his services if he’s made available.

To be clear, the Avalanche have no reason to demand anything less than the sun, the moon, and the stars for him. Maybe throw in a few planets to the asking price as well, just for good measure. The Avalanche don’t have to move Barrie. If Colorado plays its cards right, they could be contenders with him on the roster even if 2019-20 is his last season with them. But if I’m Colorado, I’m at least listening to offers for him. However, I’m also letting teams know they’re going to have to pay a premium to get Barrie.

It could be said the Avalanche are winning without him. And yes, they are. But unless losing Barrie somehow caused Jonathan Bernier to have the best stretch of play of his career, Barrie getting injured and his team’s recent success aren’t related.

The Case Against Trading Barrie

Now might not be the best time to trade him. After all, Barrie’s coming off an injury. As they say, buy low and sell high. It’s safe to say trading a guy after he comes back from an injury isn’t selling high. But maybe the Islanders or Leafs would still be willing to pay that premium for him.

Barrie’s an excellent player. When you get a player like him, your objective should be to keep them. And then find ways to get more guys like him. The Avalanche’s power-play has been an important calling card for them this season and Barrie’s been a huge part of it. Sure, he’s not a two-way, true top pairing guy like Erik Johnson. But Barrie brings a lot of things to the table you don’t see often with defensemen.

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The Avalanche have a bright future. And if they decide to trade Barrie, fans should be optimistic Sakic’s going to get a return deserving of his talent. He’s an important part of Colorado’s immediate and long-term future, whether he’s on the team or not. The Avalanche have to figure out where he fits in with their future.