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Why Trading Tyson Barrie Is a Bad Idea for the Toronto Maple Leafs

By Nick Barden |
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 21: Tyson Barrie #94 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on November 21, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Maple Leafs defeated the Coyotes 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 21: Tyson Barrie #94 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on November 21, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Maple Leafs defeated the Coyotes 3-1. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

As we creep into the final days before the trade deadline, it’s rumored that the Toronto Maple Leafs might trade Tyson Barrie.

It is thought that Kyle Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs are working hard to make a trade before the deadline on Monday. Whether it includes Barrie or not is yet to be seen.

Barrie’s name has been out there for some time. According to some, this could be the defenseman’s final days in Toronto.

“I skyrocketed to number five on the trade bait,” said Barrie of the difference between Colorado and Toronto as hockey markets, “it happens quick, but it’s nothing I haven’t dealt with before.” (TSN.ca)

Toronto Maple Leafs and Tyson Barrie

One of the teams that are said to be very interested in Barrie is the Vancouver Canucks. The return could be a draft pick or a prospect and Troy Stetcher — who plays on the Vancouver’s ‘top pairing’ alongside Alexander Edler.

In 60 games this season, Stetcher has 11 points. Barrie has 33 points in 62 games and leads the Toronto Maple Leafs for most as a defender.

Barrie playing anywhere other than on the Toronto Maple Leafs is a bad idea.

He’s been their second-best defenseman since Morgan Rielly went down with an injury.

After 63 games, the 28-year-old is very comfortable in Toronto and would love to make a push for something that this team has been trying to do for a long time.

“I love it here. I love the guys — we want to try and be a team that does something special this year and I’d obviously like to be around for that, and you know, it’s out of my control.” Said Barrie of the chance to stay in Toronto (via MapleLeafs.com).

But there’s no landing spot for Barrie that makes sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even a few draft picks won’t lure other teams to give up a player of Barrie’s caliber, or better, which some people are saying the Leafs want to do.

There doesn’t seem to be a move that would make trading Barrie beneficial for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

There’s no defenseman who’s been traded or likely will be traded that has more points or a better even strength corsi rating than Barrie.

Toronto still has a lot of work to do, whether they make a trade or not. As the playoffs inch closer and closer, every point is vitally important.

Along with Florida, there are three to four teams that the Toronto Maple Leafs are battling with for a chance to play beyond April.

Whether Barrie gets traded or not, the message will still stay the same, “work hard, be consistent, and get into the playoffs.”

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