Possible Trade Destinations for the Predators' Tyson Barrie

Following reports over the weekend that the Nashville Predators gave permission to Tyson Barrie's camp to speak with other teams, there's speculation on his future.

With Dougie Hamilton out with injury, who could step up on the New Jersey Devils in his absence?

Tyson Barrie has been traded twice in his 13-season NHL career with the most recent being his move from the Edmonton Oilers to the Nashville Predators last February.

Now in the final season of his current contract and slated to become a UFA next July, the 32-year-old defenseman could be on the move again.

On Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Predators management had permitted Barrie and his agent to speak with other clubs about a possible trade. The Athletic's Joe Rexrode reported the veteran blueliner had become “somewhat expendable in Nashville,” in part due to the emergence of promising Spencer Stastney as a viable NHL rearguard.

A puck-moving defenseman and power-play specialist, Barrie has seven 40-plus point seasons under his belt. That includes his 55-point performance in 2022-23, split between the Oilers and Predators.

Nashville Hockey Now's Michael Gallagher looked at four clubs that he thinks could make a run at Barrie. They include the Oilers and another of Barrie's former clubs, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Gallagher also included the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders on his list.

The Oilers are in an ongoing search for a goaltending upgrade. Given their cap constraints, they're unlikely to bring back Barrie and his $4.5-million cap hit.

Barrie struggled to find chemistry with the Leafs during his previous tenure in Toronto in 2019-20. They're also reportedly interested in a more defensive-minded rearguard like Chris Tanev of the Calgary Flames.

With Dougie Hamilton sidelined indefinitely following surgery for a torn pectoral muscle, the Devils could kick the tires on Barrie. The Islanders could use more offense from their blueline, but Barrie's inconsistent defensive play might not be a fit on Long Island.