With the information that defenseman Tyson Barrie has signed a one-year deal with the Calgary Flames, one has to surprise if Barrie’s former staff ought to have given him a name earlier than the contract was signed. Except the Edmonton Oilers make a commerce later within the season, the truth now’s that Barrie isn’t coming again to the Oilers. Some followers will say that’s high-quality, and to their credit score, Barrie isn’t what he as soon as was. However, on a single-season contract of $1.25 million, he’s arguably a greater possibility than what the Oilers have accessible.
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal had confirmed in August that Barrie was if the Oilers had a spot for him. I wrote in a publish:
Leavins acknowledged, “I do firmly consider that the place there may be smoke there may be hearth on former Oiler Tyson Barrie doubtlessly returning to Edmonton on a worth contract.” He added that Barrie, who spends appreciable time close to the place he’s on the coast, cherished his time with the Oilers and could be open to returning. “There is no such thing as a secret that Barrie cherished being an Oiler, by no means needed to depart, and would definitely welcome an invite again.”
The Oilers Have Walked Themselves Right into a Powerful Blue Line Scenario
As is, the Oilers aren’t positive who’s going to take common reps on their proper aspect. They’ve received Evan Bouchard who will play within the high pair and run the facility play, however past that, all bets are off.
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It was believed Ty Emberson could be the man, however Edmonton’s option to play Travis Dermott beside Darnell Nurse on Wednesday signifies the Oilers have to see extra. Head coach Kris Knoblauch could be unsure if Emberson’s 30 NHL video games is sufficient to warrant giving him massive minutes. In the meantime, Dermott — who like Barrie is in camp on a PTO — has 329 common season video games on his NHL resume, together with 22 playoff contests.
Additionally on the roster is Troy Stecher, who the Oilers haven’t given a lot of a glance to within the preseason.
And, in fact, there may be Josh Brown who hasn’t impressed, however the teaching workers appears to love him and he’s signed for 3 years.
What Tyson Barrie Brings and May Have Delivered to the Oilers
Barrie doubtless isn’t a to-pairing defenseman, however he as soon as was. He is aware of the right way to play in an elevated position and had nice chemistry with the Oilers when he was a part of the staff. Bouchard is now the facility play whiz, but when he will get injured, Barrie can quarterback issues. And, whereas Barrie is taken into account an offensive specialist, there have been instances his protection was higher than some followers gave him credit score for.
Most of all, he is aware of this staff, what they’re making an attempt to perform and he would have taken on any position and given his greatest to be part of the answer. This isn’t a participant with expectations. He simply needs to be productive. He’s solely two seasons faraway from a 43-point marketing campaign and there’s an opportunity he’s received extra to provide than any of the No. 6 and seven guys the Oilers must rotate by till they will land an improve forward of the commerce deadline.
Barrie actually wasn’t an ideal match. That stated, he is aware of Darnell Nurse and the right way to play with him, he is aware of the Oilers and what they want, and he is aware of the place he would slot into their general recreation plan this season. Till Thursday, he was accessible. Was this a missed alternative?
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