Tyson Barrie's Long-Term Future in Edmonton is in Jeopardy

Tyson Barrie signed with the Edmonton Oilers to hit 'restart' on his career. After a dismal season as a Toronto Maple Leaf via a trade from the Colorado Avalanche, Barrie landed in Edmonton hoping he could get back to producing on the score sheet.

37 points in 43 games later, the 29-year-old has been rock solid, however Jonathan Willis of The Athletic thinks the Oilers will walk away from giving Barrie a the huge contract extension he deserves:

Ideally, Bouchard is filling Barrie’s role — right-handed, offensive defenceman and power-play quarterback — as soon as possible. Having Barrie around blocks Bouchard’s progress...it’s hard to envision Barrie on the roster. Barrie is an offensive upgrade from Klefbom, but the potential combination of Klefbom returning and Bouchard could end Barrie’s days in Edmonton.

This would be a very strange situation for the Oilers as why would they walk away from a very productive right-handed defenseman, just to throw in an unproven rookie to carry the load. Sure the team may be a bit cash strapped as they have other pending free-agents, but if the Oilers don't re-sign Barrie that's a huge mistake.

Oilers fans have been frustrated enough and same with their two superstars. Letting good players walk just isn't going to cut it in Edmonton.