Report: Strong chance Avalanche's Barrie could be traded

Tyson Barrie's days in Colorado may be numbered.

The 24-year-old is set to become a restricted free agent this July and that's one reason TSN's Bob McKenzie insists there's a good chance the Colorado Avalanche defenseman could be dealt.

"There’s no question in my mind, I think Tyson Barrie is going to be traded," McKenzie told TSN 1260 Radio on Friday, according to Chris Nichols of Today's Slapshot.

McKenzie added, "Colorado is looking for a defenseman. But I don’t think they like the economic leverage that Tyson Barrie has right now. Tyson Barrie has got a very strong arbitration case. I think he’s going to be looking for a sum of money that Colorado doesn’t feel comfortable in giving him. Therefore I think they’re looking for somebody who - looking for a different type of defenseman maybe, or one that’s not going to cost them as much money."

Barrie is coming off his fourth full season with the Avalanche - including the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign - and is expected to receive a raise from his previous $2.6-million cap hit.

Barrie's name has been and continues to be in trade talks, according to McKenzie, and he could be the perfect trade chip as the team looks to fill holes at all positions.

"I think they are in the market for a defenseman. I think they are in the market for forwards as well, being a non-playoff team and all," said McKenzie. "But I definitely think Tyson Barrie has been in play, and continues to be in play, and there's a real strong chance that he could be traded at some point here."

Barrie led all Avalanche defensemen in scoring for the second straight year with 13 goals and 49 points in 78 games.

- With h/t to Today's Slapshot