5 moves the Colorado Avalanche should make this offseason

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5. Shop Tyson Barrie

Tyson Barrie is a darn good defenseman. He’s one of the most offensively adept defensemen in the NHL. Not only that, Barrie’s a heck of a power-play quarterback too. That said, unless the Avalanche can sign him to a long-term extension, they’ve got to consider trading him. But only if they get a proper return.

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Barrie is expendable, but it has very little to do with him. Rather, it’s because of Cale Makar. The right-handed defenseman was incredible during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Makar tilted the ice significantly in the Avalanche’s favor throughout the postseason, as only four Avalanche players had a five-on-five expected goals for percentage of below 50% with him.

Best of all, the young defenseman is dirt cheap. Makar could easily take over Barrie’s role, arguably do a better job than him at it (which is saying something), and do it for cheaper. If the Avalanche can get a strong return for Barrie, trading him makes all the sense in the world.

Sakic should be calling the Toronto Maple Leafs in particular. They have a number of intriguing young players and they desperately need a right-handed defenseman. Though Barrie only has one year left on his deal, he’d be a flawless fit for the Maple Leafs. The Tampa Bay Lightning could make sense as well, depending on what they decide to do with their blueline.

Colorado doesn’t have to trade Barrie. The Avalanche could bring him back and have one of the league’s best defensive cores. If Sakic can use Barrie to get a top-notch forward to jumpstart the second forward line, it would be worth it.

Outside of the their two first-round picks in the 2019 NHL Draft, he’s their top trade chip. If the Avalanche make a big trade this summer, it would be surprising if it didn’t include Barrie or one of those two first rounders.

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