The Colorado Avalanche are close to reaching arbitration with defenseman Tyson Barrie, sources have told Bleacher Report. Drafted 64th overall by the Avs in the 2009 Entry Draft, Barrie is slated to be a restricted free agent after this season.
Sources tell Bleacher Report Tyson Barrie likely heading to arbitration with Avalanche. Long-term deal looking like distant prospect
— Adrian Dater (@adater) July 1, 2016
Barrie was second on the team last season with 36 assists, led the team the year before with 41, and his 2013-14 plus/minus of 17 was instrumental in leading that year’s team to the franchise’s first division title in 11 years.
However, after raising his plus/minus to a career-high 17 during the playoff run three years ago, his performance has dwindled, culminating with last year’s third-worst plus/minus on the team (-16).
The Avalanche recently added veteran defenseman Fedor Tyutin on a one-year deal, along with defenseman Patrick Wiercioch, a former Denver Pioneer.