Ancient Nashville Predators defender Tyson Barrie has officially been granted PTO with the Calgary Flames.
About a week after the Flames announced they were set to hold a professional tryout with the veteran offensive defenseman, the two sides have reached an agreement. Barrie hasn’t fit in well with the Predators and hasn’t played much, but he has a chance to change that this season by proving himself and earning a contract.
The Flames’ defense is very uncertain. The team has a lot of younger or inexperienced defensemen, brought in through trades or recent signings. Barrie is not a top-tier defenseman, but he is effective offensively if given the opportunity.
Just two seasons ago, in 2022-23, Barrie recorded 13 goals and 55 points split between the Edmonton Oilers and the Predators. He can also play a good number of minutes with the Flames if necessary. The 33-year-old finished eight straight seasons averaging more than 20 minutes per game on the ice before finishing three straight seasons just below that.
If the Flames do indeed continue to look to trade more big players, Mackenzie Weegar And Rasmus Andersson Most importantly, Barrie would be the perfect candidate to slide into the power play and help maintain production. He has a great wrist shot from the point that can, more often than not, find the net. That’s how he’s scored 109 career goals and 32 power-play goals.
There was no way Barrie would return to the Predators after last season ended, but there was also little chance he would be done with his NHL career. As Pierre LeBrun has said before, the Flames are hoping Barrie’s maternity leave will result in a contract above the league minimum.
Despite signing a PTO, Barrie could still sign anywhere and nothing is set in stone yet. But Calgary appears to be the best destination for him right now.
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