Lightning Have Interesting PTO Target in Veteran Defender

Last week, the Tampa Bay Lightning brought back forward Logan Brown on a professional tryout (PTO) agreement. With this move, they have created more competition in their bottom six at training camp.

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While the Lightning have already added a player on a PTO, they should consider bringing in another before the start of training camp. One free agent who stands out is veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie.

Barrie, 33, is arguably the top defenseman still available in free agency at this juncture of the summer. The Victoria, British Columbia native is coming off a frustrating season with the Nashville Predators, posting one goal, 14 assists, and a minus-10 rating in 41 games. While it was a challenging year for the 2009 third-round pick, he has the potential to turn things back around if given another shot.

Throughout his career, Barrie has been an effective offensive defenseman. For example, just back in 2022-23, Barrie posted 13 goals and 55 points in 85 games split between the Edmonton Oilers and Predators. He also has seven seasons with at least 40 points and four with at least 50 points. In an offensive system, he can find success, and he could be a fit on the Lightning because of it. This is especially so when he would have superstars like Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Jake Guentzel to work with.

Ultimately, the Lightning could use more depth on the right side of their defense, so they should consider taking a flier on a prime bounce-back candidate like Barrie with a PTO.

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