Ex-Predators Defenseman Tyson Barrie Could Be Signed by Former Team

Tyson Barrie didn't fit well with the Nashville Predators, but might get another contract by his previous team.

The Nashville Predator acquired Tyson Barrie from the Edmonton Oilers as part of the return package for Mattias Ekholm at the 2023 trade deadline.

Barrie's cap was a necessary move for the Oilers and as the Predators were selling two seasons ago and had the space. Unfortunately, he just didn't fit in on Nashville with a full defense and no spot on the top power-play unit.

Nashville didn't re-sign Barrie before he became a UFA this summer and after going unsigned for almost two months, it appears like the veteran is in talks to sign a PTO with the Oilers.

Bob Stauffer talked about the possibility of the Oilers adding a defenseman on a PTO this year and said it could be a player that head coach Kris Knoblauch has familiarity with and has spent time in the NHL with. Dustin Nielson reported that the Oilers are keeping their options open, but have had conversations with Barrie already. He is really liked in the Oilers' locker room.

Most recently, Frank Seravalli chimed in on the Oilers conversation to say that the team is looking for a right-shot defenseman to sign on a PTO and the options include players like Justin Schultz, Barrie, Kevin Shattenkirk, and more.

After leaving the Colorado Avalanche, the team that drafted Barrie, his best seasons came in Edmonton. If he is brought back and potentially given a deal, he would be in a much different role than the prime time he spent with the Oilers. Barrie ran the power-play and relieved some of the burden on defense from Darnell Nurse from 2020 to 2022.

Barrie's time in Edmonton also gave Evan Bouchard the perfect amount of time to develop into the elite player he is now. The defensive spot on the top power-play unit of the Oilers is Bouchard's and that isn't changing. Barrie isn't likely to play every game, but the good news for him and the Oilers is that he formed strong chemistry with Brett Kulak before Barrie left. That could come into play in training camp if the path leads the Oilers and Barrie there.

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