The Toronto Maple Leafs may find it a challenge to lock up defenseman Tyson Barrie beyond the 2019-20 campaign.
Barrie, who was acquired from the Colorado Avalanche last week, is believed to be eyeing an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8 million, according to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun.
The 27-year-old is entering the final season of his contract and will hit unrestricted free agency next summer.
Barrie would be one of the highest-paid defensemen in the league if he reaches such an agreement, as only Erik Karlsson, Drew Doughty, P.K. Subban, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson earn more than $8 million per year.
Toronto may not have the cap space in 2020 to provide Barrie what he desires, but the right-handed blue-liner will provide elite skating and valuable scoring ability this upcoming campaign.
Barrie recorded a career-high 59 points in 78 games last year.
