As the season approaches, some unsigned players are seeking opportunities with teams through professional tryouts. Notably, a former Oiler has already secured a PTO with a rival in the Pacific Division, while another rival seems poised to start the season with a key player ready to go. Let’s explore these developments in the latest NHL Notebook.
Tyson Barrie, who played parts of three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and was known for enhancing their power play, has signed a professional tryout with the Calgary Flames. Barrie, who was traded to the Nashville Predators along with picks and prospects for Mattias Ekholm, has been a free agent until this recent signing. Selected in the third round of the 2009 draft by the Colorado Avalanche, Barrie spent eight seasons with them before moving to Toronto.
He then joined the Oilers, significantly boosting their power play with 25 goals and 128 points in 190 games before being traded at the 2023 deadline. During his time with the Predators, Barrie scored four goals and 27 points in 65 games, including 41 games in the 2023-24 season as a seventh defenseman. He’ll now get a chance with the Flames, particularly on the power play.
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko, who finished second in Vezina Trophy voting, had been dealing with a knee injury that raised concerns about his readiness for training camp. However, Rick Dhailwal reported on Tuesday that Demko is back on the ice and should be prepared for the start of camp. Demko had an excellent 2023-24 season, recording a .918 save percentage, a 2.45 goals-against average, and a 35-14-4 record in 51 games. Despite a late-season knee injury, which also affected him in the postseason after the Canucks advanced past the Nashville Predators and pushed the Edmonton Oilers to a Game 7 in the second round, Demko is expected to return to form.
The recent passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau still feels surreal. On August 29, the two brothers were tragically struck by an alleged drunk driver in their hometown, just before celebrating their sister’s wedding the following day. Johnny Hockey, who had a distinguished 11-year career with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, will be honored by both teams with a Candlelight Vigil: the Blue Jackets at 5:30 PM MT and the Flames at 8 PM MT. Additionally, Montréal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield announced on Instagram that he will be changing his number to 13 in memory of Johnny, recognizing the impact he had as a source of inspiration for him. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will always be remembered.
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