Could the Edmonton Oilers Bring Back Tyson Barrie?
The latest Edmonton Oilers speculation now suggests the team wants another defenseman sooner rather than later. Could a former Oiler be that addition?
The Edmonton Oilers' defense corps suffered a blow last week with Philip Broberg's departure to the St. Louis Blues via offer sheet.
That move prompted media speculation suggesting they could attempt to swing a deal for a right-shot blueliner at some point before the 2025 trade deadline.
Recent reports, however, suggest Oilers management isn't waiting to see who's available in the trade market.
On Friday, Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli indicated they were reaching out to UFAs, such as Justin Schultz, Tyson Barrie and Kevin Shattenkirk.
Schultz and Barrie are former Oilers, with Schultz traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and Barrie to the Nashville Predators before the 2023 trade deadline. Of the two, Barrie is better known by the current Oilers roster.
The day before Seravalli's report, The Hockey News' Caleb Kerney cited TSN's Dustin Nielson tweeting the Oilers had conversations with the Barrie camp. Nielson acknowledged the blueliner was well-liked by his former teammates but wondered if Barrie was a fit on the ice with how their defense is currently constructed.
On Sunday, the Edmonton Journal's Kurt Leavins suggested a reunion was possible between Barrie and the Oilers. He acknowledged management's interest in Schultz and Shattenkirk but thinks Barrie is the better fit, pointing out the latter loved his time in Edmonton, never wanted to leave and would welcome an opportunity to return.
Kerney makes the case for Schultz or Shattenkirk. He pointed out that Schultz averaged 16:28 of ice time per game in 70 contests last season with the Seattle Kraken, with 10 of his 26 points coming on the power play. Shattenkirk collected 24 points in 61 games with the Boston Bruins while playing 15:47 per game, with 11 power-play points.
Barrie, however, saw action in 41 games with the Predators last season, collecting 15 points while playing 18:19 per game.
Kerney believes Schultz or Shattenkirk would be better low-cost options capable of getting good results against middle and low competition. Whether the Oilers feel the same remains to be seen.
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