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"Tyson Barrie is going to be traded."
I can't tell you how many people have told me that. If Colorado really wants to move him they will have no trouble moving him. His value is only increasing right now. This is a copycat league we live in and the Pittsburgh Penguins are dominating with Olli Maatta, Kris Letang, Trevor Daley (though out), and Justin Schultz; All basically the same kind of player. All great transition defenders who make great outlet passes and aren't afraid to move up in the play.
There was a time when a team could get away with maybe one defenseman like this. At the most two. Now everyone is loading up on these types of players. And we are seeing more and more get drafted higher and higher. The league has always been a copycat league. In my opinion it is foolish to think you can get away with too many of these guys if you are not the Penguins. Remember, Daley was a mess in Chicago just a few months ago. He goes to Pittsburgh and he's invaluable.
The Penguins are a unique team. The San Jose Sharks and the media keep emphasizing that the speed of the Penguins is nothing new. The Sharks have played against similarly fast teams. True. But those teams didn't have Crosby, Malkin and Kessel on them.
So yes, I do believe Barrie will be traded. There are few faster defenders in the game. Barrie has Duncan Keith speed. I added him to the rumor chart today.
The favorite? Montreal. The Habs are looking to make some major shifts and get faster. They aren't exactly slow now....but they are seeing speed as their ticket. Emelin could be moved out for sure. Other teams include Columbus, NJ, and Carolina....
More to come ...
We will discuss all this and more on today's Buzzcast.
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) April 26, 2016