Tyson Barrie Reportedly Signs PTO with Calgary Flames, Shutting Door on Oilers Reunion

In a surprising twist during this off-season, former Edmonton Oilers defenseman Tyson Barrie has reportedly signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the Calgary Flames, one of Edmonton’s biggest rivals. This move dashes the hopes of many Oilers fans who had speculated that Barrie might return to Edmonton on a PTO, especially given the Oilers' current need for a right-shot defenseman.

Barrie, who was traded by the Oilers to the Nashville Predators at the 2023 trade deadline in a deal that brought Mattias Ekholm to Edmonton, played a significant role in the Oilers' power play during his time in Edmonton. His offensive abilities from the blue line were instrumental in Edmonton boasting one of the league's top power plays. Despite his defensive shortcomings, Barrie’s ability to move the puck and contribute offensively made him a valuable asset.

Rumors swirled this off-season about Barrie potentially making a return to Edmonton on a PTO, especially after the Oilers traded Cody Ceci to free up cap space and lost Philip Broberg to an offer sheet from the St. Louis Blues. These moves have left the Oilers thin on the right side of their defense, with Evan Bouchard now shouldering much of the responsibility. The potential return of Barrie, even on a short-term basis, seemed like a logical solution to help bolster Edmonton’s blue line.

However, with Barrie now signing a PTO with the Flames, it appears any chance of an Oilers reunion is off the table. Calgary’s decision to bring in Barrie on a tryout suggests they are looking to add a veteran presence with offensive upside to their defensive corps. Barrie’s familiarity with the Battle of Alberta and his experience playing in high-stakes games could make him a valuable addition to the Flames, particularly as they look to bounce back after a disappointing 2023-24 season.

For the Oilers, Barrie’s decision to sign with Calgary is a missed opportunity to shore up a position that has become a glaring weakness. With the season fast approaching, Edmonton’s options for right-shot defensemen are limited, and they may need to explore other avenues to address this need. Whether through a trade or another PTO signing, the Oilers will have to act quickly if they want to solidify their defense before the puck drops on the new season.