In an exclusive interview Thursday, Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic swept away rumors that young defenseman Tyson Barrie will be traded and discussed a handful of other issues including Nathan MacKinnon’s pending contract extension and next week’s NHL draft in Buffalo.
TSN’s Bob McKenzie and Darren Dreger recently speculated that Barrie, 24, would be moved this season. But Sakic said he’s scheduled to meet with Barrie’s agents during the June 24-25 draft and work on a long-term contract with the restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
“I’d like to do a long-term deal with Tyson. If that doesn’t work out, it’s expected he’ll go to arbitration,” Sakic said.