The Nashville Predators welcomed Tyson Barrie last February via a deal that sent Mattias Ekholm to the Edmonton Oilers.
While the Nashville Predators are clearly looking ahead under a new general manager and new head coach, tonight's game against the Edmonton Oilers is going to cause teammates and fans to pause and look back briefly as Mattias Ekholm and Tyson Barrie each face off against their former teams.
Today Tyson Barrie talked about his experience being moved at the trade deadline as a part of a deal that sent Mattias Ekholm to the Oilers.
"It was interesting," Barrie said. "I'd never been traded midseason, and to come in and they were kind of retooling and they saw a lot of big pieces headed out."
Barrie ended up being an important piece for the Predators as several remaining veterans went down with injuries. The team continued to battle for a chance at the postseason with a young roster, and Barrie has been credited by Barry Trotz and David Poile as being an important veteran voice in the locker room in late April.
"I thought we showed a lot of character," Barrie said of that late season push. "I think it was a big stepping stone for our team."
Now with a full training camp under his belt, Barrie is looking ahead to what a new Nashville Predators team can do even as they continue their reset.
The Predators welcome the Oilers to Bridgestone Arena tonight. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm CT.
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