Offseason uncertainties: Tyson Barrie and Justin Schultz
In the unforgiving pace of the NHL offseason, players without contracts face daunting prospects, with some even pondering their future beyond the league.
Two such players are Edmonton Oilers' alumni Tyson Barrie and Justin Schultz. As we edge closer to the new season, these seasoned defencemen find themselves at a crossroads, their futures in professional hockey hanging in the balance.
This morning, a report from Daily Faceoff spotlighted Tyson Barrie and Justin Schultz as the premier defencemen lingering in free agency limbo. Described as aging offensive talents with defensive vulnerabilities, their current market value appears diminished in the eyes of playoff-aspiring teams.
Last season's performances did little to boost their appeal; Barrie endured lengthy stretches on the sidelines with the Nashville Predators, while Schultz finished with a concerning -23 rating with the Seattle Kraken�a team-low.
Both Barrie and Schultz have enjoyed commendable NHL tenures and have prior affiliations with the Oilers. Barrie, particularly effective during his three-year stint with Edmonton, notched over 40 points in each season, a testament to his offensive acumen. However, his recent 15-point season with the Predators, coupled with minimal playoff appearances, underscores a sharp decline.
Justin Schultz's narrative is slightly more decorated, having started his career with Edmonton during its rebuilding phase before achieving consecutive Stanley Cup victories with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite their storied pasts, both players now confront a reality where their professional paths are murky, with no clear interest from any NHL teams.
The lack of enthusiasm around their signings hints at a challenging offseason for both players. Reports suggest Tyson Barrie might secure a one-year deal, while Justin Schultz could be relegated to a tryout contract, needing to prove his worth in the preseason skirmishes.
Their situation mirrors a broader trend affecting several former Oilers. Sam Gagner and Kailer Yamamoto, too, remain unsigned, their prospects uncertain. While a return to Edmonton seems unlikely for any of the mentioned players, the Oilers community keeps a hopeful eye on these athletes, eager to see them succeed, wherever their careers may lead next.
As the NHL gears up for another thrilling season, the stories of Barrie and Schultz remind us of the harsh realities and fleeting nature of professional sports careers, where today's star can quickly become tomorrow's free agent, all in search of one last shot at glory.
Source: Daily Faceoff
Top 5 NHL UFA Defensemen still available
| POLL | ||
Do you anticipate seeing Barrie and Schultz in more games this season? | ||
| Yes, both will play again in the NHL | 17 | 56.7 % |
| No, at least one will be done | 13 | 43.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
