Tyson Barrie recently re-signed with the Oilers on a three-year contract, worth $4.5M AAV. This move came as a surprise for most fans around the league, as his weaker defensive play seemed to be enough to force the organization to let him walk, but after Adam Larsson got picked up and signed by the Kraken, it left a major hole on the blueline, and it looks as though the Oilers plan to have Barrie filling that hole.
2020-21 Season Grade: C+
Tyson Barrie recorded an impressive 48 points in 56 games in his first season with the Oilers. The Defenseman definitely left his mark on the offensive side of the game with the team last season, but it became apparent that he wasn’t the strongest defender, and had some really obvious holes when it came to his own end.
While posting a +4, and recording as many points as he did is remarkable with the shortened season, he didn’t receive a single Norris trophy vote, which is handed out annually to the league-voted best defenseman.
2021-22 Stat Prediction: 13 Goals, 53 Assists, 68 Points.
Coming into a new season, Barrie doesn’t really have much to prove, he’s a solidified power play quarterback, he has a good playmaking ability, and overall has a decent hockey IQ.
The only place of concern is how he will play in his own end, he seems to be out of position from time to time, he gets burned quite often, and Oilers fans really noticed and were sure to let him know on social media or try too.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of Barrie, I was stoked when he joined us last season, and I was even more stoked when he signed his new contract to return for three more seasons. I love a defenseman who isn’t scared to step up into the rush and can put the puck in the net from time to time.
With that being said, even I know that Barrie needs to work on his play in his own zone, this offseason should have been completely focused on that. I think bringing in Keith will definitely help him though. Keith, as a 38-year-old, knows the game better than almost anyone in the dressing room and has three cups to show for it.
His knowledge, if used properly, could propel Barrie into a two-way defenseman, and it would be tough not to give him a look for the Norris Trophy.