The Colorado Avalanche are likely done making big moves this offseason. So, the club is getting to that point in the offseason where some under-the-radar moves are made to round out the team’s roster.
Such moves include inviting players to training camp on Professional Tryout Contracts (PTO). Generally speaking, PTO candidates are players who are looking for one more shot at the NHL.
One such player is former star blue liner Tyson Barrie.
Barrie spent eight seasons in Colorado after being taken in the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft. He emerged as a solid top-pairing defenseman in his time with the Avalanche. He set a career-high 14 goals and 59 points in the 2018-19 season.
However, Barrie left Colorado as part of the blockbuster trade that brought Nazem Kadri to the Avs. At the time, the deal was considered a hockey trade. The Avalanche needed a top-six center, while the Toronto Maple Leafs were in desperate need of a top blue liner.
The deal solved a need for both clubs.
Barrie had a solid COVID-shortened season in Toronto. However, the Leafs did not hold onto Barrie. He signed with the Edmonton Oilers and then moved on to the Nashville Predators.
Last season, he joined the Calgary Flames on a PTO. He made the team out of camp but was eventually cut after appearing in just 13 games. Since then, Barrie has been looking for a new shot at the NHL.
That’s where the Avalanche can provide a longtime fan favorite another shot. If nothing else, bringing Barrie back to Colorado would give him a chance to end his playing days where they began.
How Tyson Barrie fits into Colorado Avalanche lineup
The big question is: How does Tyson Barrie fit into the Colorado Avalanche’s lineup?
He’s likely a seventh defenseman at best. He likely wouldn’t crack the lineup unless there was an injury. Given the injury histories of Samuel Girard and Josh Manson, that could be a possibility. Additionally, 40-year-old Brent Burns is a bit of a question mark.
Then, there’s the general wear and tear that all blue liners go through during the season. That’s why a healthy Tyson Barrie could provide the Avalanche with a solid depth option on the blue line.
He would have to compete with Keaton Middleton for the seventh defenseman slot. But considering the Avs currently have a touch over $2 million in cap space, adding Barrie on a league-minimum deal wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
If things work out, the Avalanche could rejuvenate Barrie’s career. Otherwise, Colorado could give Barrie the sendoff he deserves.