Report: Predators Make Big Decision on Tyson Barrie

 

With impending unrestricted free agency looming, Tyson Barrie has been considered a trade candidate for the Nashville Predators. But now those rumors will be hitting a fever pitch, as Insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Preds have given him permission to seek out a deal.

There is word today the Nashville Predators have given Tyson Barrie permission to talk to other teams. Barrie is expected to be a scratch vs the Rangers and is a UFA after this season. This allows team and player to see if there is a better fit elsewhere

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 2, 2023

Barrie will be scratched for the Preds' game Saturday against the New York Rangers, and is now free to talk with other teams around the league to find a new home. 

The 32-year-old defenseman currently has nine assists in 22 games, but is playing a 10-year low 18:51 minutes per game, skating on the third pairing many nights. He was brought to Nashville in a trade deadline deal last season that sent Mattias Ekholm to the Edmonton Oilers. 

For teams looking for an offensive boost from the blueline and veteran leadership in the locker room, without a long-term salary commitment, Barrie could be the piece they're looking for. It's quite likely, however, that the Preds would have to retain some of his $4.5M cap hit to make a deal happen. 

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