Colorado Avalanche rover Tyson Barrie had a career year. The 27-year-old was fourth on the team and first among defensemen for scoring. He beat his career-best in both points (57) and goals (14).
Barrie is one of those polarizing players in that he either plays extremely well or extremely badly — he’s the Semyon Varlamov of the blue line. Indeed, just about the time I’m so frustrated with Barrie that I start ragging on him in a post, he scores a huge goal.
Barrie has always been a fringe-core player. He’s definitely an important part of the team, but not as untouchable as even Mikko Rantanen.