Avalanche's Barrie poised for huge contract this summer

With another fine outing Saturday night, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie further proved he deserves a hefty raise this summer.

Barrie almost single-handedly gifted the Edmonton Oilers a 3-2 defeat Saturday with two goals and an assist, helping the Avalanche collect their second straight win.

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

With his trio of points against the Oilers, Barrie became eighth among all defenseman with 30 points in 57 games. It's not the only category that sees him slotted in the top 10, however.

Barrie is second among the league's best defensemen with five game-winning goals, tied for eighth in power-play points, and tied for ninth in assists. Since becoming a regular with the Avalanche during the 2013-14 campaign, his production has increased every year.

The blue-liner will become a restricted free agent this offseason, when he can expect to cash in. He's currently making $2.6 million in a season in which he's poised to surpass his previous career highs in both goals and points.

Barrie's on his way to becoming one of the league's great D-men, and he's set to get paid like one.