Despite rumors to the contrary, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie is going nowhere reports Denver Post writer Mike Chambers. Chambers secured an exclusive interview with general manager Joe Sakic who indicated that though negotiations could end in discussions with an arbitrator, Barrie is expected to remain a member of the organization. Barrie made $3.2MM last season and is projected to receive a bump along with a long term deal.
Sakic is also set to negotiate with star forward Nathan MacKinnon, who saw his entry level deal expire. MacKinnon had 52 points (21-31) during the 2015-2016 season. The #1 overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft, Chambers reports that MacKinnon is considered part of the core group that includes Gabe Landeskog, Matt Duchene, Erik Johnson, Semyon Varlamov and Barrie. He should receive a hefty raise as a result, whether it comes through a bridge or long term deal.
While the Avs have been unable to make the playoffs since their promising 2013-2014 campaign, Sakic’s patience shows that Colorado is far from making any wholesale changes. While speculation has run rampant over the future of the Avs, it appears Sakic is fine with what he has and will add where he sees fit.