3 Possible Destinations for Toronto Maple Leafs UFA Tyson Barrie

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 5: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tyson Barrie #94 returns to the dressing room after the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 5: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tyson Barrie #94 returns to the dressing room after the second period against the Montreal Canadiens at the Scotiabank Arena on October 5, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 19: Adam Pelech #3 of the New York Islanders defends Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins during the third period at TD Garden on December 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 19: Adam Pelech #3 of the New York Islanders defends Torey Krug #47 of the Boston Bruins during the third period at TD Garden on December 19, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Boston Bruins

2019-20 Record: 44-14-12 –  1st in NHL Regular Season

GF/G: 3.2 (T-8th)

GA/G: 2.4 (1st)

Season Result: Second Round Exit to TBL

With the expected departure of blueliner Torey Krug, as well as the ageing presence of Captain Zdeno Chara, the Bruins and GM Don Sweeney are sure to look to other options for their back end. Tyson Barrie being one of those options.

If the Bruins elect not to resign Krug, Barrie could slide right into the spot that Krug leaves (despite playing on the right side) and at a much lower cap hit. Krug averaged a 20:29 ATOI while recording 49 points in 61 games for a 0.80 PPG average. Barrie (in an off-year) held a sub-par 0.55 PPG and logged above Krugs 20:29 TOI. Barrie’s point totals could easily go back up next year as well as he could fill in for the ice time that Krug leaves behind (all stats hockey-reference.com).

Another similarity between the two is that their CF% at even strength was within 1.8% of each other. Both defensemen, play similar types of games, being strong in the offensive zone but not quite as strong in the D-zone.

With Krug expected to come out of free agency somewhere between the $7 and $8 million range, Barrie could come in at a subsequently lower cap hit and serve as a healthy replacement for the Bruins blueline.