According to Ryan Rishaug, the Edmonton Oilers have given Tyson Barrie his next contract. After signing Barrie on a one-year deal last year, the Oilers lock him up long term. The veteran offensive defender will continue to be part of the Oilers power play. He may not have the lustre he once did, but he is coming off a very underrated 2020-21 season. Barrie’s new deal is for three years.
My sense is the Oilers and Barrie will get a 3 year deal done. Significant progress made today to avoid free agency.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) July 28, 2021
Tyson Barrie Signs New Contract With The Edmonton Oilers
Barrie was exactly what the Edmonton Oilers needed in the past year. He replaced Oscar Klefbom as the team’s primary offensive blueliner and returned to the form we were used to seeing during his prime. The 29-year-old skater posted eight goals and 48 points in 56 games to lead all Oiler defenders. Barrie’s 51.5 percent Corsi For and 4.6 Relative Corsi were also second among the team’s defencemen who appeared in more than 10 games. The team may have not reached its ceiling, but that means very little for Barrie’s rebound in production and value.
The Colorado Avalanche originally drafted Barrie in the third round of the 2009 Draft and watched him become the most productive defender in franchise history. His 75 goals and 307 points lead all blueliners. He hasn’t been quite as notable for Edmonton and the Toronto Maple Leafs before that, but there is little doubt that the British Columbia product is one of the best players to come out of his draft class.
What This Means For The Future
It will be nice to see Barrie stay with one team for more than a single season. He has been a quality option since leaving Colorado, but being able to remain in one place for an extended period of time is beneficial for both sides. It allows the Oilers to build around him as part of their existing core. It also allows the player to establish himself more in the community as his career progresses. This looks like a solid deal for both sides.
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