Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 5 NHL Free Agency Signings for 2021
By Andrew Kogut
TYSON BARRIE- 3 Years, $13.5 million (Edmonton)
Maybe expectations were set too high (Oh, hi Larry Murphy) or maybe it was his, and the team’s, slow start under Mike Babcock that skewed perception but Tyson Barrie, contrary to popular belief, wasn’t actually that bad for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Obviously there were still concerns about his game (He only signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract with Edmonton last season) but Barrie just flat-out produced in 2020-2021, scoring eight goals and 48 points in 56 games with a 57.9 CF% and 7.3 PS.
It’s hard to see much of a downside here. Barrie turned 30 in July so he’ll be just 32 at the end of this deal. There isn’t a no-trade or movement clause to be worried about and $4.5 million per season is pretty great value for a defenceman that nearly scored at a point-per-game pace last year (and it’s only $1.25 million more than what Edmonton gave to Cody Ceci on a four-year deal. Yes, Cody Ceci received a four-year deal).
Edmonton is a bit of an enigma to me. Despite being a weakness their goaltending remains completely untouched and while I like the player I don’t think the Hyman deal will age well.
The acquisition of 38-year old Duncan Keith and full retention of his cap hit is somewhat mind-boggling to me and I’m still trying to understand the Ceci commitment. But at least this Tyson Barrie signing looks good.