Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Edmonton Oilers free agents to consider

The Chicago Blackhawks need a lot of different types of defensemen right now.

When you think of someone like Adam Larsson, you think of someone who is solid in their own end but they give you almost nothing offensively. Think of the exact opposite when you think of Tyson Barrie. He is an offensive defenseman that can help make really nice plays but doesn’t help you much in the defensive zone. The Hawks can use someone like that since Adam Boqvist doesn’t seem like he is developing into that guy any time soon.

Barrie had 8 goals and 40 assists for 48 points in 56 games for the Oilers this season. Those are some really nice numbers. Reaching 40 assists in 56 games shows that he makes a really nice first pass and allows his forwards to go on their way. That is a skill that the Chicago Blackhawks don’t really have at full force right now.

Of course, some of the numbers are inflated by playing with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, especially on the power play. However, it isn’t like Patrick Kane or Alex DeBrincat are offensive scrubs. Barrie would thrive on a team like the Hawks who like to create offense but exchange scoring chances a lot. He is certainly someone to consider for Jeremy Colliton’s system.