More often than not when a player goes on injured reserve, it creates an opportunity for a younger or less experienced option to make an impact. That’s exactly the case for the Edmonton Oilers, which finally saw some success after Tyson Barrie went on the shelf partway through last month. With Barrie out, Evan Bouchard took up a much bigger role on the team, and the Oilers ended up winning four out of their last five games. Bouchard averaged a whopping 24:55 in those and recorded three goals and five points, including two power-play tallies while seeing time with the top unit.
With Barrie back, activated off injured reserve Wednesday, it will be interesting to watch how he’s deployed and whether the Edmonton coaching staff has permanently elevated Bouchard. The team takes on the Washington Capitals in one final game before the All-Star break and could potentially pass the San Jose Sharks for fifth in the Pacific Division
Barrie, 30, was brought back in the offseason on a three-year, $13.5M contract after leading all NHL defensemen in scoring last year. He hasn’t come anywhere near that 48-point performance this time around, however, making his new $4.5M cap hit look a little unreasonable. In 35 games he has 17 points, which include just seven even-strength assists. His power-play time has remained strong, but head coach Dave Tippett hasn’t been able to trust him otherwise. Barrie averages just 16:38 at even-strength, fifth among regular Edmonton defensemen.
If there is any risk at all of him losing the top power-play spot, it seems as though Barrie’s usefulness on a cap-strapped team is also waning. How he’s used Wednesday and after the All-Star break will be an interesting sign of what’s to come, even just a few months into his new deal. The Oilers already have more than $71M committed to next season because of Darnell Nurse’s extension and will likely have to cut salary from somewhere if they want to bring in any new talent.
To make room on the roster for Barrie’s activation, the team sent the recently waived Slater Koekkoek to the AHL.
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