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Leafs: Storylines to Watch Heading Into the Draft and Offseason Part 1

By David Morassutti

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Mark Hunter announces Mitchell Marner (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as commissioner Gary Bettman looks on in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Mark Hunter announces Mitchell Marner (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as commissioner Gary Bettman looks on in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) looses his stick while battling for the puck with Toronto Maple Leafs center Leo Komarov (47) during the third period at Pepsi Center. The Maple Leaves won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Is Tyson Barrie a trade target?

The Colorado Avalanche are a tough team to understand. A year ago they traded away Ryan O’Reilly to the Buffalo Sabres for a late first round pick Nikita Zadorov, Mikhail Grigorenko and J.T. Compher.

With defenceman Tyson Barrie set to become a RFA this summer, it has been no secret the Avalanche are looking to shop the 24-year-old while his value is at its highest. The puzzling part about this is the Avalanche have struggled a lot defensively and yet they are considering trading their top defenceman in order to improve it.

Barrie’s strength is his skating – a mobility which has drawn comparisons to Duncan Keith. He is still at an age where he has room to grow and improve.

Make no mistake about it, Barrie will be the hottest trade target this summer. This is where the Leafs could once again try to put together a trade package to acquire a player who would definitely be in their top four.

The issue will be the number of other teams in contention and those who would potentially overpay to acquire him. The Edmonton Oilers are apparently the top suitor for Barrie, but the question is whether they have the pieces to make a deal?

The Avalanche reportedly want a defenceman in return for Barrie, but what type is unclear at this stage. Regardless, if the Leafs want to improve their blueline, making a play for Barrie would be a perfect starting point.

Next: What do they do with their other first round pick?

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