Vancouver Canucks: The Great Tyson Barrie Debate

AGAINST BARRIE: The Offense is Already Coming

Barrie is undeniably an elite offensive defenseman — sure. You can’t deny that and I won’t either. But is offense from the blueline an immediate need when the forwards can’t score? Let the scorers score and the defenders defend.

The space for Barrie, the trade price for Barrie, and the money for Barrie is better spent if the Canucks grab Milan Lucic, Kyle Okposo, or even push for Steven Stamkos. More on that later.

But the truth is this, that the Canucks are already looking better on the blueline in terms of offensive flash. Ben Hutton is only going to improve as he learns the league and trains himself to the full brunt of the 82-game season.

Alex Edler will score more than six goals next year. Hutton, certainly, will score more than just one goal. Have you not forgotten how injured this blueline was throughout the season?

Chris Tanev is going to work with a shooting coach over the offseason. As a player who is always on the ice at least 20 minutes a game, an improvement in Tanev will certainly cause an impact.

But do not forget Philip Larsen, the restricted free agent acquired from the Edmonton Oilers earlier in the year. He was amongst the top offensive defenseman in the KHL. Larsen had 11 goals and 36 points in 52 games with the Jokerit. That would be the fifth-best point total and the second-best goal total by a KHL defenseman during the regular season.

Do not forget about the new addition Erik Gudbranson, either. He has a cannon of a shot that can score against the top netminders in the league:

Yes, the Canucks would like more offense and Barrie would be the key. But compared to the price that the Canucks will need to pay for him, the improved offensive potential of the new Canucks blueline should be enough a reason not to sacrifice big-time for Barrie.

Next: AGAINST BARRIE: A Defensive Logjam