After having a relatively soft market in free agency back in October, Oilers defenseman Tyson Barrie has decided to make an agent change as CAA Hockey announced (Twitter link) that they’re now representing the veteran. Long-time NHL analyst John Shannon clarifies (via Twitter) that Pat Brisson and Bayne Pettinger will represent him. Barrie had previously been represented by Newport Sports Management.
The 29-year-old entered last season as someone that was expected to be one of the more sought after blueliners in free agency. However, he didn’t have a great season offensively with Toronto compared to his previous two with Colorado as he managed five goals and 34 assists in 70 games after putting up 57 and 59 points in the previous two seasons.
As a result, his chances for a long-term, big-money contract were basically eradicated, especially with the financial crunch of the pandemic factored in. Instead, he opted to take a bit less money than other teams were offering to join the Oilers as a one-year replacement for the injured Oscar Klefbom, signing for $3.75MM.
Considering the potency of Edmonton’s power play and Barrie’s track record of success in that situation going back to his time with Colorado, the fit certainly appears to be a good one and the hope is that a boost in production will bolster his chances for a long-term pact next offseason. That deal now will be handled by Brisson and Pettinger when the time comes.
This shortened season is huge for him. No time to have a few bad games…probably last chance to secure a big contract.