5. Tyson Barrie
If this list was published on or before Wednesday, Barrie likely would have been at the top of it. We even published an entire article just on the merits of moving him. On Thursday, however, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic dispelled rumors that Barrie would be on the move. If he’s available, as a young, mobile, right-hand-shooting defensemen, he would attract plenty of interest.
Reasons to trade him: In Sakic’s mind, apparently not many in light of recent news. Now, the only reason would be if they can’t sign him and arbitration gets ugly.
Reasons to keep him: Elite offensive defensemen are hard to come by. The Avalanche don’t have any like-minded defensive prospects that fit the mold that are even close to NHL ready. For the price it would take to sign someone comparable on the free agent market, you might as well give the money to Barrie, who at 24, could very well still get better.
5 potential partners: Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets
Potential return: Top-4 defenseman/top-six forward and a second-round draft pick.
Likelihood of being moved: 10 percent.
