NHL Rumors: Tyson Barrie Returning To Oilers Starting To Pick Up More Steam

Rumors of Tyson Barrie potentially returning to the Edmonton Oilers are picking up steam as the team looks to bolster its defensive depth ahead of the 2024-25 season. 

Barrie, currently an unrestricted free agent, was traded to the Nashville Predators before the 2023 trade deadline but has since expressed a strong desire to return to Edmonton. 

He enjoyed his time with the Oilers, where he was a key offensive contributor and a popular figure in the locker room. With the recent departures of Philip Broberg and Cody Ceci, Barrie's familiarity with the team and his ability to generate offense from the blue line make him an appealing option for the Oilers' management.

Troy Stecher or Tyson Barrie 🤔

Oilersnation Everyday Presented by Star Mechanical Plumbing and Heating pic.twitter.com/BOv9voxoJN

— Oilersnation.com, Oily Since ‘07 (@OilersNation) August 24, 2024

New Oilers GM Stan Bowman is reportedly exploring various options to address the team's defensive needs, with Barrie emerging as a particularly attractive candidate. 

Despite some past criticisms of his defensive play, Barrie recorded 132 points in 190 games during his previous stint with the Oilers, highlighting his offensive capabilities. 

The team is also considering other veteran defensemen, such as Justin Schultz and Kevin Shattenkirk as was noted last week, but Barrie's existing rapport with the Oilers and his strong desire to return could give him the edge.

Oilers are keeping all their options open on PTOs but they’ve already had conversations with Tyson Barrie.

They love him in the room, is he a fit on the ice with the way the blueline is currently built?

— Dustin Nielson (@nielsonTSN1260) August 22, 2024

Bringing Barrie back on a professional tryout offer (PTO) is seen as a low-risk, high-reward move. Given the lack of significant interest in him on the free-agent market, the Oilers could sign him to an inexpensive deal if he proves capable during training camp. 

With Paul Coffey overseeing the defensive side of coaching, Barrie could find the right environment in Edmonton to rejuvenate his career.

Over his 13-year career, Barrie's amassed 109 goals, 505 total points, a -75 plus/minus rating, 857 blocked shots, and 496 hits across 809 games played.

Photo Credit:  Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports