Tyson Barrie reportedly signing contract after tryout with Calgary Flames

NHL insider Frank Seravalli said on Flames Talk today that Barrie will be finalizing a deal to stay with Calgary this season.

Now 33 years old, Barrie is trying to bounce back after a very difficult time with the Nashville Predators. Barrie was repeatedly a healthy scratch as the Predators' weren't pleased with his defensive game, and it went as far as Barrie requesting a trade. He played 41 games last season and posted just 15 points with a brutal -10 rating. A move never materialized, and Barrie now has to build back his reputation as a quality NHL defenceman.

Throughout most of his career, Barrie has been a high-end offensive defenceman. He frequently neared 60 point seasons, and even in his time with the Oilers, was an effective player. With Edmonton from 2020 to 2023, Barrie scored more than 40 points every season and was great on the powerplay.

When the Oilers were looking for a defenceman on a tryout contract a few weeks ago, multiple sources connected Barrie to a reunion in Edmonton. It's probably best that the Oilers went for a different type of player as a depth defender, and Barrie will get much more opportunity in Calgary. The Oilers ended up bringing in 27 year old Travis Dermott on a tryout contract instead.

Barrie was a good player and is by all accounts one of the coolest people in hockey. Oilers fans will wish him well in having a bounce back year, except for when they square off in the Battle of Alberta.