Tyson Barrie Out For a While

Horrible news for the Colorado Avalanche, just before they get their post-Christmas schedule underway, as they announced that defenseman Tyson Barrie will miss the next 4-to-6 weeks, due to a broken hand.  Guess what it's related to... that's right, blocking a shot!

Barrie only played two shifts against the Arizona Coyotes before leaving the game on Saturday night and over the holidays, the doctors obviously had a look at the injury and they have determined that there is something broken there and that he will, indeed, require surgery in the next couple of days to repair the damage, hence the extended recovery time.

Barrie has been very productive this season for the Avalanche, picking up 4 goals and 27 points in the first 34 games this season, which is good enough for 79th overall in pool scoring, worthy of an early 4th round pick in this year's hockey pool draft.  He also ranks 3rd among all defensemen in scoring, which certainly has earned him some high praise.  This will definitely be a big loss.

Thanks to the inclusion of Barrie, as a 5th round pick, 116th overall, has given Mike's team, not only a decent bargain pick, but also a blueline that enters Week Thirteen in 6th place in pool scoring, aiming to keep him afloat.  Barrie accounts for more than half of those blueline points, so taking them out will certainly hinder Mike's 16th place team.