Lightning Should Target Former Oilers Defender

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a busy offseason, but they should not be done just yet. When observing their current group, it’s fair to argue that they could use one more right-shot defenseman.

Given the Lightning’s current salary cap situation, they will need to go for bargain players if they hope to add to their depth. The free-agent market offers a rather interesting option in veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie.

Barrie is coming off a very tough 2023-24 season. His placement on the Nashville Predators depth chart fell during the year, and he was the subject of many healthy scratches. He finished the season with one goal, 15 points, and a minus-10 rating in 41 games.

While it was a down season for Barrie, there is some reason to believe he could turn things around if given another chance. The fit was not there in Nashville this past season, but he had plenty of success with the Edmonton Oilers before being dealt. He has shown throughout his career that he can thrive playing with stars, and the Lightning offer plenty of them.

Just back during the 2022-23 season, Barrie had 13 goals and 55 points in 85 games split between the Oilers and Predators. That was not long ago, so he could be worth taking a gamble on. He was also a solid top-four offensive defenseman for most of his career, which only adds to his appeal.

Ultimately, if the Lightning signed Barrie to a one-year, prove-it deal, he would give them another solid and experienced option for their right side. In addition, he would have the potential to be a valuable weapon on their power play if he turns things back around.

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