2016 NHL Free Agency: Top 10 restricted free agents

Apr 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Tyson Barrie

Perhaps the most intriguing restricted free agent this offseason is Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie. Of the top restricted free agents, he’s the only one who has heard his name in recent trade rumors. The Avalanche have put themselves in a situation where they might not be able to afford to keep both MacKinnon and Barrie. Should Colorado be forced to choose between the two players, Barrie might be the one to go.

Barrie will most likely be traded unless another team signs him to an offer sheet. The Edmonton Oilers would make a ton of sense for Barrie and they happen to be willing to listen to offers for the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. That’s roughly equal value for a top pairing defenseman like Barrie.

Wherever Barrie signs his next deal, it will more than likely be a long-term deal, especially if it’s not with the Avalanche. He’s a top pairing caliber defenseman. Since the Avalanche are already paying Erik Johnson and Francois Beauchemin a lot of money, they likely can’t afford another $5 million per year contract on their blue line. All signs point to Barrie being traded to a team willing to pay him like the top pairing defenseman that he is.

Next: 3. Johnny Gaudreau

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