According to a couple of sources, the Vancouver Canucks might be working on a deal that would see them land defenseman Tyson Barrie from the Toronto Maple Leafs. In exchange, the Canucks would send defenseman Troy Stecher and pieces the other way.
Part of the report suggests that perhaps the Canucks are more than just interested in Barrie as a rental, but in trying to sign Barrie to an extension. In a more specified role, his upside as an elite powerplay quarterback is tremendous and Vancouver believes they can get something out of him, close to a 60-point defenseman than to a disappointment.
This report comes after TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that the Maple Leafs were getting calls on Barrie and willing to listen. The Leafs weren’t expected to just dump Barrie, but instead wanted a d-man back or the pieces need to parlay that return into a defenseman.
TSN’s Frank Seravalli then added to McKenzie’s report on Friday saying that four teams were specifically in the Barrie sweepstakes: the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes.
While it remains to be seen if the trigger is pulled on a trade that would include Barrie leaving, one thing is clear. Despite 33 points — which ties him for 22nd among NHL defensemen— he hasn’t quite worked out as expected in Toronto and GM Kyle Dubas is certainly turning over ever leaf (pun intended) trying to fix his injury-depleted roster going into Monday’s trade deadline.
Related: Are Maple Leafs Considering Tyson Barrie Trade?
