Tyson Barrie signs four-year contract with Avalanche

Defenseman Tyson Barrie signed a four-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.
Financial terms were not released, but Sportsnet reported it is worth $22 million, an average annual value of $5.5 million.

"It's really nice to get it done," Barrie told the Denver Post on Sunday. "As you know, it was a bit of a process. Arbitration's not fun to go through, but it's part of the business, and I'm excited the Avalanche has shown faith in me. I'm happy to be part of this team for the next four years and try to be part of something special."
Barrie, 25, had an arbitration hearing in Toronto on Friday. He reportedly asked for a one-year, $6 million contract, and the Avalanche submitted a two-year, $8.25 million proposal. A decision was scheduled to be made Sunday.

"I don't think we're allowed to comment too much on the arbitration," Barrie said. "But it's not fun. I get that it's a business, and we say good things, they say bad things, and it is what it is. I'm just happy to have this done. I'm a Colorado Avalanche for the next four years.
"Looking back now, it was an experience. I feel like I'm a better person for it. I've gotten to know the business a little better. It had to be done. Here we are, we ended up getting a deal done and in the end, I think we're both happy with it. At the end of the day, it's nice to get it done. I'm ready to move past this and move on and have a good relationship going forward. There are no hard feelings on my side. I'm looking forward to joining the guys in September."
Barrie tied his NHL career high with 13 goals and five game-winning goals, and had 49 points in 78 games last season. Barrie had three power-play goals and 21 power-play points.
The Victoria, British Columbia, native is happy he doesn't have to play while worrying about his future with the Avalanche, who will have Barrie under contract until after the 2019-20 season.
"It's some security," Barrie said. "It's nice not to play for a deal every year. With that being said, I have a long way to go as a player, and I know that. There's another level to my game that I'm looking to take it to and really become that next-level defenseman in this league. This deal represents that and it's something I'm going to take pride in."
A third-round pick (No. 64) of the Avalanche in the 2009 NHL Draft, Barrie has 40 goals and 153 points in 264 NHL games.
"They're looking for me to step up and help the younger guys," Barrie said. "I'm 25 now, and I think it's a good opportunity for me to step up and become a leader."
All 25 players who filed for arbitration signed a contract.