Adrian Dater
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Depending on who you talk to, there might be a very big trade tonight by the Colorado Avalanche.
A couple of well-placed sources are telling me that a Tyson Barrie-to-the-Vancouver-Canucks trade is “done.” Well, that’s pretty strong, right? I’m not prepared to report that as fact just yet, though. I’ve been down this road too many times, where supposedly “done deals” never happened. So, officially, I’m waiting along with the rest of you at this very moment for the Avalanche to make anything official.
But there is a heavy sense here that something is going on with the Avs and Canucks regarding Tyson Barrie.
I’ve heard the names Jake Virtanen, Chris Tanev and Vancouver’s first-round pick in 2020 in this trade. I am NOT saying the Avs would get all three of those things for Barrie. I’m saying those are the names I’ve heard, along with a draft pick. There could be more going to Vancouver, too. Carl Soderberg’s name has been whispered out there, too, first by TSN’s Darren Dreger.
The other heavy gossip here is that the Chicago Blackhawks will take a forward with their first pick, at No. 3. If that’s the case, and Bowen Byram is available and the Avs kinda-sorta already know they’re going to take him, then a Barrie trade makes a lot more sense.
Yet, there are some who are convinced the Avs want a centerman (Turcottes, Dach, Zegras?) at No. 4. I personally think they should take Byram, but last I checked they haven’t consulted me on who I’d pick. But, geez, Cale Makar and Bowen Byram together as a lefty-righty combo? The Avs would be set on top-2 defense for years and years.
Before I go gather more gossip: Don’t forget where the draft is being held this year: in Vancouver, hosted by the Canucks. You think they’d like to get a big roar from the crowd on a big trade? Maybe. Just sayin.’ We’ll know more in a couple hours.