The talk connecting the Edmonton Oilers and defenseman Tyson Barrie doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Others teams are rumored to be in the mix, — Calgary and Anaheim among them — but more than a few insiders are connecting the dots to Edmonton, many saying Barrie quarterbacking the Oilers power play has dream scenario written all over it.
At the very least, Barrie is player to keep an eye on in Oil Country. And while defence is not necessarily a huge need for Edmonton compared to finding a third line center and a goaltender, there are inexpensive options popping up in those areas and the uncertainty around Oscar Klefbom’s long-term injury, opens up the options on the blue line.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic writes:
I think it [Klefbom news] opens the door to Edmonton making a pitch to Barrie’s camp Friday. And if I were the Oilers, I would try to sell him on a one-year deal with the pitch being: come quarterback a power play with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on it, rack up the points, and hit the market again in a year with your market and profile re-established after a miserable year in Toronto.
Why Would Barrie Pick Edmonton?
While Barrie had a disappointing season in Toronto, he still managed 39 points in 70 games in a situation many were calling a bad fit. No doubt, teams will make offers. It will be a matter of the options Barrie believes fits him best.
Edmonton could be quite attractive if he’s thinking this season is all about upping his production and making himself valuable around the NHL again. Without Klefbom, (even with him potentially), Barrie would be the top man on Edmonton’s league-best power play and that’s got to be attractive. He’ll also get a decent chunk of change as the Oilers won’t try to sneak him in for $2 -$3 million.
A long-term offer out of the gate is not likely in Edmonton, but don’t rule out the possibility he could get an extension. He’s still only 29 and there’s a lot of game left if he finds the right chemistry with a team.
If you listen to Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, you’d get the sense Barrie to Edmonton is almost a done deal. Is it?
Next: Hall Officially Heads to NHL Free Agency, 4 Teams In The Mix
