Veteran defenceman grateful for opportunity to attend Flames camp on professional tryout after a frustrating season in Nashville, Salim Valji writes.
The 33-year-old defenceman with 809 games of NHL experience will attend camp on a professional tryout. The veteran admitted he was surprised he didn’t receive any offers over the summer after notching 15 points in 41 games last season with the
“I feel like I’m 19 years old trying to make the league for the first time. It’s a different perspective. Obviously not the position I was hoping to be in, but it is what it is, and just make the most of it.”“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated at times,” he said. “It’s the best league in the world and it’s tough to stay in. That’s part of the journey. I’m grateful this shook out for me, and I was able to get an opportunity here in Calgary.
The Flames’ power play ranked 24th in the league over the past two seasons, and the roster currently lacks a natural power-play quarterback. WhileFlames general manager Craig Conroy has said that while the team has a roster in transition, he’s hesitant to put younger players in situations they may not be prepared to handle. Barrie, should he earn a contract, would buy the Flames time as their younger blueliners develop.
“I tend to approach everything with a sense of humour, and I've always embraced the lighter side of the game,” he said. “If there's young guys on this team, just show them what it's like to be a pro but also have fun with it…I'm a vocal guy. I'm a fun guy.”
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