Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Finds Himself on Waivers

In a move that shocked Leafs fans, Kyle Dubas opened free agency in 2019 by making a blockbuster trade with the Colorado Avalanche.

The deal saw fan-favourite Nazem Kadri go to Colorado along with defenseman Calle Rosen and a third-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. The Leafs received Tyson Barrie, Alexander Kerfoot and a sixth-round pick in the 2020 draft.

In one season with the Leafs, Barrie struggled, posting just 5 goals and 39 points before bolting for Edmonton in free agency. The 2009 third-round pick spent two and a half seasons in Edmonton before being traded to Nashville.

Barrie made his way back to Alberta this off-season, signing a 1-year, $1.25M deal with the Calgary Flames, but has skated in just 13 games for the Flames this season.

Thursday, as teams prepare for the trade deadline and return to game action this weekend, the Flames placed the 33-year-old Barrie on waivers.

Should Barrie clear waivers, only $100K of his $1.25M cap hit would count towards the cap, giving the Flames almost $18M in cap space with two and a half weeks until the deadline.

The move not only clears cap space for the Flames, but it also clears a roster spot for them to activate defenseman Kevin Bahl from injured reserve.

It will be interesting to see if another team takes a flyer on Barrie for the remainder of the season, but in all likelihood, the British Columbia native will find his way down to the AHL tomorrow afternoon.