As the Calgary Flames returned to practice the last few days, a few defencemen were notably absent. One, Rasmus Andersson, is expected, as he just finished up his duties with Sweden at the Four Nations. The other, Tyson Barrie, prompted some speculation the last few days.
That speculation was answered at noon when it was announced that the Flames placed Barrie on waivers. It’s unclear if the Flames are looking to give him a fresh start or just keep him in the AHL if he would want that.
This is expected with Barrie’s play this season
I don’t think anyone is particularly surprised with this news. Barrie has only suited up for 13 games with the Flames, scoring a goal and adding two assists. I would say he’s looked good in a few games, but otherwise he’s been a liability. He’s been burned like crazy in the defensive end, which aligns with his past career.
This was always a bit of a strange signing when it happened. The Flames were then stuck with eight defenceman on their roster for most of the year. Keeping Barrie on the roster as an eighth defenceman prompted losing Cole Schwindt on waivers to the Vegas Golden Knights. Likely an inconsequential move, but he was Calgary’s lone right-shot centre.
Waiving Barrie gives the youth a bit more of an opportunity
Signing Barrie did block the potential for guys like Ilya Solvyov, Yan Kuznetsov, and Jeremie Poirier from getting a chance to showcase themselves. With Solvyov and Kuznetsov recalled on Wednesday, there is more of an opportunity now. Kevin Bahl is practicing with the team, but his status is still unclear. If he isn’t good to go, one of Solvyov or Kuznetsov could get a shot.
