Tyson Barrie Explores Hockey Media After Retirement

Former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Tyson Barrie is making a significant transition after announcing his retirement from professional hockey this summer. Although he has stepped away from the ice, Barrie is not entirely leaving the sport behind. He recently revealed his intention to explore opportunities in hockey media during an appearance on the popular podcast Spittin’ Chiclets, hosted by former NHL players Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney.

In the podcast episode, Barrie shared his plans to “dip [his] toe into media” and assess how well he fits into this new role. “See if I am well-received and I like it… I don’t know exactly where that’ll be,” he stated. Bissonnette has been offering guidance to Barrie, leveraging his extensive experience in the media landscape.

A Legacy of Team Spirit and Success

Barrie, a native of Victoria, B.C., was selected 64th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2009 NHL Draft. He spent the first eight seasons of his professional career with Colorado, where he distinguished himself as one of the league’s top offensive defencemen. Notably, Barrie recorded three seasons with over 50 points and one season with 49 points, solidifying his reputation.

After his tenure in Colorado, Barrie became a key player for the Oilers from the 2020-21 season through the 2022-23 season. He led all NHL defencemen in scoring during the 2020-21 campaign, amassing 48 points in just 56 games. Despite this achievement, Barrie did not receive any votes for the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s best defenceman.

Barrie’s retirement followed a brief stint with the Calgary Flames, where he was unable to secure a lasting position after signing a one-year deal. He played only 13 games for Calgary, prompting his decision to retire from the NHL.

Future Ventures Beyond Hockey

In addition to his interest in media, Barrie has begun to establish a foothold in the beverage industry. He founded a beer company named Chilly Ones in 2024 and has collaborated with former teammates, including Mike Smith, a former goaltender for the Oilers, and Nathan MacKinnon, a star forward with the Avalanche.

As Barrie embarks on this new chapter in his career, the hockey community is watching closely. His charismatic personality and strong relationships forged throughout his career may serve him well in the media landscape.

While it remains to be seen where Barrie’s media journey will take him ahead of the upcoming NHL season, he undoubtedly has a significant support network cheering him on. Whether he finds success in front of the camera or delves deeper into the beverage business, many will be eager to see how his post-hockey career unfolds.