Alex Hobson
The most disappointing Leaf this season? Can I answer with the whole team?
In all seriousness, if I had to pick one it would have to be Tyson Barrie. But I wouldn’t even say he’s looked bad this season. He’s just not lighting up the scoresheet like he was expected to.
Coming into this season as the top name in the biggest blockbuster of the Leafs offseason, everyone knew that the microscope would be on Barrie. Coming fresh off of a 59 point season with Colorado and joining a team that thrives on offence, everyone expected Barrie to mimic his season in Colorado.
Instead, he has six assists in 22 games, has yet to score his first goal of the season, and has reportedly been the subject of trade calls from other teams.
It’s unfair to pin all the blame on Barrie this season because he’s seeing less powerplay time than what he was used to in Colorado and just less ice time in general. And if anything, this might be a good thing considering this is the worst start Barrie has ever seen.
He could be less expensive to re-sign and could hopefully see a turnaround in his game should it happen.
Overall, Barrie is in a slump he’s never seen before and whether it’s getting used to a new system, playing for a new coach, or just having general struggles finding the back of the net, I have faith that Barrie will turn it around at some point.