Oilers’ Tyson Barrie Arrives at Camp With Chip On His Shoulder

Edmonton Oilers newly-acquired defenseman Tyson Barrie has something to prove. It’s not as though he had an awful season in 2019-20, but he heard the chatter as he wasn’t quite what the Toronto Maple Leafs expected when they traded for him and the team let him walk in free agency with absolutely no indication they had any desire to re-sign him.

Related: 16 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Connor McDavid

We don't know about you, but Tyson Barrie's feeling 22.

The newest #Oilers blueliner, as well as Kyle Turris, Alan Quine & Anton Forsberg, have selected their jersey numbers for the upcoming season. https://t.co/xcAa8RArff

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 17, 2020

With that likely in the back of his mind, Barrie has arrived in camp for the Oilers with a chip on his shoulder. As per The Edmonton Journals’ Kurt Leavins, the defenseman is already taking part in casual workouts with some of his new Oilers teammates despite camps not having officially started yet. For Oilers Nation, this has to be considered exciting.

Leavins writes:

Barrie’s enthusiasm is a good sign. Tyson Barrie with a bit of a chip on his shoulder and something to prove can only benefit the Oilers. I, for one, can’t wait to see his right-hand shot on the power play with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

What Should Oilers Expect From Barrie

Barrie has already said after signing with the Oilers that he’d be shocked if 50 points isn’t in his future. That may be a high mark consider the season is now looking at 56 games and not 82, but his confidence level is still likely at an all-time high.

This is a player who will have every opportunity to put up points in the NHL this coming season and the Oilers will use him in ways that maximize his strengths. That he’s keen to get off to a quick start by being in as good of shape as he can prior to the proposed January 13th start date is critical to his early success.

The more he hangs around players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the more he’ll feel part of the core group that will be relied heavily upon to produce. It’s the kind of motivation that should be good for Barrie and, eventually, good for the Oilers.

Next: Can the Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki Average a Point-a-Game Next Season?