Putting an end to months of speculation, Joe Sakic told the Denver Post’sMike Chambers today that 24-year-old restricted free agent Tyson Barrie will not be traded to avoid an impending pay increase. National reporters and pundits have spread rumors for much of the offseason claiming the budding star defenseman was on this way out of town. Avalanche fans can now rest easier.
Avalanche NOT trading D Tyson Barrie, GM Joe Sakic tells me. LT deal preferred for RFA, or arbitration. "Either way, he'll be here" - Sakic
— Mike Chambers (@MikeChambers) June 16, 2016
Furthermore, Sakic went on to say the organization plans to qualify other prominent restricted free agents Andreas Martinsen (signed this past offseason from Europe), Brandon Gormley (acquired in the Stefan Elliot trade), and Duncan Siemens, the 2011 11th overall pick acquired during the Erik Johnson trade.