AGAINST BARRIE: A Defensive Logjam
In addition, the Canucks already have six NHL-proven defensemen. Nikita Tryamkin and Luca Sbisa will round out the top-six which is already full with Erik Gudbranson, Ben Hutton, Alex Edler, and Chris Tanev.
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Philip Larsen figures to be the number seven defenseman who can be utilized on the power play. Pairing up the right-handed puck mover with a stay-at-home left-handed Tryamkin seems the best way to go.
That would result in three right-handed defensemen in the top six: Tanev, Gudbranson, and Larsen. No more complaining about playing the weak side, eh?
If the Canucks want to hold on to Luca Sbisa, Philip Larsen, and Nikita Tryamkin, there isn’t room for Barrie. The argument that his right-handedness benefits the blueline can only go so far and Larsen could prove to be a cheap option as a right-handed puck mover that the Canucks have lacked for so long.
Don’t forget Dan Hamhuis. If the Canucks had to move out Luca Sbisa, wouldn’t Dan Hamhuis a good option to bring stability and leadership to the back end? He certainly would be cheaper than Barrie.
The puck-moving doesn’t end with Larsen, either. Do not forget about prized Jordan Subban who is carving himself into a serviceable NHL option. He was one of the better AHL defensemen this past season. Barrie would certainly push Subban away from an NHL career with the Canucks.
And look who is behind Subban in the prospects depth chart? No one, really. Carl Neill and Tate Olson could be making the AHL but not much more is beyond Troy Stecher and Subban.
Next: FOR BARRIE: Versatile like Never Before