Tyson Barrie. Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Veteran defenseman made available; Canucks, others have decision to make

Originally posted on Canucks Daily | By Owen Fullerton | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 11:26 PM ET

Veteran defenseman Tyson Barrie is heading to the AHL after clearing waivers, per the AHL’s transaction log.

After impressing in camp Tyson Barrie earned a contract with the Calgary Flames this season. However, it looks like he's now the odd man out for the Vancouver Canucks' top competition for the eighth and final Western playoff spot.

Tyson Barrie hits waivers

As reported by Elliotte Friedman, the 33-year-old Barrie was placed on waivers on Thursday by the Calgary Flames.

This will mark the first time Tyson Barrie has been on waivers in his over 800-game career, but he played a brief conditioning stint for the AHL Wranglers this year posting three points in two games.

Barrie was once a premier offensive defenseman, flirting with 60-point seasons in Colorado before being moved to Toronto, and eventually finding a home for a few years feeding Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton.

He was moved to the Nashville Predators in 2022-23, but was a healthy scratch for half of the 2023-24 season.

Barrie is well liked in every room he's been in, and that might be enough for a team to claim him for added defensive depth.

Dennis Cholowski also hits waivers

Alongside Tyson Barrie, New York Islanders defenseman Dennis Cholowski was placed on waivers by his team.

The 27-year-old was once the 20th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings, but failed to find footing there and was eventually nabbed by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft.

Cholowski has enjoyed his most offensive success on the Island with 10 points in 33 games, but he appears to be beaten out by newcomers like Anthony DeAngelo and Scott Perunovich.

This article first appeared on Canucks Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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