Tyson Barrie-Nikita Zadorov Pairing: Predictions

Tyson Barrie

Oct 16, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) blocks a pass from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) on a breakaway during the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

2014-15 Stats:

Last Season:

The refrain may be getting a little old, but Tyson Barrie started off just as slowly as most of the other Avalanche. He was in the minus category pretty consistently through October. And he continued to bounce between plus and minus throughout the season.

However, Barrie is an offensive wizard, and that started to take the forefront of his season. He started his multi-point nights with Vancouver in October, and he had several more throughout the season. By the conclusion of the season, he was the fourth-ever Avalanche defenseman to earn 50+ points.

Tyson Barrie is never going to be accused of being a physical player. It’s not just that he doesn’t have the size, grit just isn’t a part of his style. He hit and blocked shots, but nowhere near as much as other Avalanche defensemen. That said, his defensive play has gotten better through the years:

Questions for the Upcoming Season:

Tyson Barrie seems to be answering this question already, but can he continue being an offensive dynamo? He’s the Colorado Avalanche’s clutch player, the skater you want to see on the ice if the team’s down by one or even two at the end of the third period. That said, can Barrie elevate his play to the level of a John Michale Liles or even Erik Karlsson?

The other big question is how he’s going to function with his new defensive partner.

Predictions:

I don’t think Tyson Barrie’s offensive production is going to slow down. I don’t see any reason he can’t have another 50+ point season and continue to be Mr. Clutch.

However, I suspect his defense might suffer, not least because of his young partner. (Barrie himself is only 24 and entering his third full NHL season — hardly veteran material.) While his plus-minus ratio is good, and his Corsi-for is good, his turnover ratio is not (-7).  I suspect that’s going to continue to be a problem.

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