Oilers considering Tyson Barrie for defensive reinforcement
The Edmonton Oilers are actively seeking to bolster their defensive lineup after Philip Broberg's departure to the St. Louis Blues.
In response, the Oilers are exploring options to reintegrate a familiar face, Tyson Barrie, into their squad, potentially on a short-term basis.
Dustin Nielson of TSN Radio reports that discussions are underway between Barrie and the Oilers for either a one-year contract or a professional tryout offer (PTO). The 33-year-old defenseman remains a free agent following a challenging season with the Nashville Predators, where he participated in just 41 games. His tenure in Nashville was marred by defensive shortcomings, culminating in a trade request that received a notably blunt criticism from Predators GM Barry Trotz.
Despite the recent setbacks, Barrie's previous stint with the Oilers paints a different picture. Known for his offensive capabilities, particularly on the power play, Barrie was a critical asset in Edmonton, consistently delivering over 40 points each season from 2020 to 2023. His leadership and popularity among teammates further underscored his value, despite acknowledged limitations in his defensive play.
As training camp approaches, the Oilers' strategy appears to favor depth and experience. The team already boasts a solid group of depth defensemen including Troy Stecher, Josh Brown, and Ty Emberson. Adding Barrie to this mix could enhance internal competition and provide additional coverage for potential injuries. While Barrie's defensive skills might not be his strong suit, his previous contributions and fanbase appeal make him an attractive candidate for a minimal-risk engagement with the Oilers.
The potential reacquisition of Tyson Barrie highlights the Oilers' pragmatic approach to team building-valuing past performance and fan connections while preparing for the uncertainties of a grueling season ahead.
All Barrie statistics: HockeyDB
| POLL | ||
Would you like Tyson Barrie to join the Oilers again? | ||
| Yes | 27 | 69.2 % |
| No | 12 | 30.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
