Winner: Tyson Barrie
Mar 30, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) shoots the puck during the second period against the Edmonton Oilers at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Tyson Barrie is the second right-handed offensive defenceman behind Erik Johnson. Last season was arguably his breakout-season. This year, he has been able to prove that he can play top-level hockey in the NHL.
The 23-year-old is currently outscoring Nathan MacKinnon and his 49 points are only six behind the Avalanche’s top-scorers Jarome Iginla and Gabriel Landeskog. Furthermore, Barrie plays extremely well in the defensive zone. If everything goes as planned, he can be an important Avalanche player for years to come.
Barrie might not have gotten the same opportunity that he got in Colorado, had he played on a different team with a better defence. The Avalanche had to heavily rely on him — and that helped his game. Barrie is clearly a winner of the 2014-15 season.