Barrie joined the Oilers in 2020/21 and spent most of the next three seasons in Oil Country, before being dealt as part of the return for Mattias Ekholm.
The Victoria, BC native struggled mightily last season in Nashville, managing just 14 points in 41 games and routinely winding up in the press box as a healthy scratch.
While the report of a PTO with the Oilers has yet to be confirmed by reputable insiders, the fit makes sense if the cap strapped Oilers can add Barrie at league minimum.
Barrie was extremely popular in the locker room, and after trading another well-liked veteran in Cody Ceci, the Oilers may see a need to bolster their locker room culture.
How much Barrie has left in the tank, however, remains to be seen. The Canucks had previously been linked to Barrie for his puck moving attributes, given that he'll be going to the Oilers, they'll have to cross him off their list.
POLL | ||
22 AOUT | 298 ANSWERS Canucks target reportedly taken off the market Do you think missing out on Barrie would be a big loss for Vancouver? | ||
Yes, he'd add great veteran depth | 72 | 24.2 % |
No, the blue line is set | 108 | 36.2 % |
No, he's cooked | 118 | 39.6 % |
List of polls |