Described by Poile as "one of the NHL's most consistent offensive producers from the blue line," Barrie posted 12 points (3g-9a) in 24 games with the Predators this season. Combined with his 43 points (10g-33a) with Edmonton, Barrie finished the 2022-23 season ranked 14th among NHL defensemen in points (55) and fourth in power-play points with 31 (4g-27a).
Barrie's offensive production from the blueline was a welcome addition to the Predators down the stretch, particularly in the absence of the team's top point-getter in Roman Josi, who suffered an upper-body injury on March 18 vs. Winnipeg that would ultimately end his season.
"You never know what you're really getting into when you get traded," Barrie said. "We've kind of been dropping guys like flies here lately and you hate to see it, but it's given me an opportunity to be more of a voice and step up and get comfortable. We've got a lot of young guys on this team who are finding their way, so if I can help out at all in that way, that's obviously good."
On the ice, Barrie was faced with the tall task of filling the large void left by Ekholm and, ultimately, Josi. But the 31-year-old rose to the occasion without missing a beat.
"He's done a really nice job," Head Coach John Hynes said of Barrie. "It's probably a harder transition for him coming in after the trade with so many guys out. The minutes he's playing and the situations he's playing in are more than they were in Edmonton. Now coming into a new team, he's really been thrust into a role as a veteran leader on the D-corps. He's getting more minutes, but I think he's handled it really well."
The 2022-23 season was anything but conventional for the Predators, especially following Barrie's arrival at the trade deadline. But despite being one of the many changes to Nashville's roster, Barrie quickly became a steadying force on his new team.
"Honestly, I'm just kind of playing," Barrie said. "At the end of the day, it's just hockey and you try to help the team win as best you can. We hate to see guys go down, but it's a good opportunity for some of our younger guys, too. And I'm obviously enjoying getting to play lots, and I'm going to try to continue to play well."
Barrie's addition was perhaps even more impactful off the ice. He became a veteran leader in the Predators locker room, a role that was made official when he was named an alternate captain during injuries to Josi, Ryan McDonagh and Matt Duchene.
"I just like his demeanor," Hynes said. "He brings good energy to the room. He communicates well with the young guys, communicates well with the coaches, and I think he's handled the situation really well on and off the ice."
