By Jordan Long
The Colorado Avalanche agreed to a new contract with defenseman Tyson Barrie. The deal is four years worth $22 million. His annual salary will be $5.5 million. What kind of deal was this for Barrie?
Barrie has played five NHL seasons with the Avalanche, becoming Colorado’s top offensive defenseman. His best year came in 2015 when he scored 12 goals and added 41 assists. Last season, Barrie scored 13 goals and added 36 assists. In his career Barrie has lit the lamp 40 times while adding 113 assists for total of 153 points.
In the offseason Barrie was a restricted free agent. Colorado desperately wanted to keep him and her wanted to stay in Colorado. It was a matter of getting a contract done with him. There were ongoing talks with him during the offseason. Barrie filed for arbitration and even had his hearing on Friday. The Avalanche wanted a 2-year deal worth $8.25 million while Barrie’s team argued for a 1-year contract at $6 million. Before the arbitration ruling, Colorado agreed to this 4 year contract with Barrie
According to the Denverpost.com, Barrie said, “It’s really nice to get it done. As you know, it was a bit of a process. Arbitration’s not fun to go through, but its part of the business, and I’m excited the Avalanche has shown faith in me. I’m happy to be part of this team for the next four years and try to be part of something special.”
This is a respectable deal for Colorado. Barrie is a large part of the Colorado Avalanche’s defense. He logs minutes on special teams and at full strength. On the power play, he plays near the blue line. Barrie can score from there or set up his teammates for goals. Last season he scored 3 power play goals and added 18 assists on the power play. When the Avalanche are short-handed, he blocks shots and shoots the puck to the other end of the ice to kill the remaining time on the power play kill. On full strength, he checks opponents who come into the Colorado zone. He also poke checks the puck away to stop teams from coming into the zone. Barrie is the type of defenseman that every team desires.
I think this is an excellent deal for Barrie. He is going to be paid as a top defenseman. Barrie deserves this contract. Hopefully Colorado will be an improved defensive team with him and make sure that teams don’t have easy shots for goals.
What do you think of Colorado agreeing to a new deal with Tyson Barrie?
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