As the Colorado Avalanche and defenseman Tyson Barrie attempt to work out a new contract prior to the start of training camp, the Edmonton Oilers and Justin Schultz may have complicated things by agreeing to terms on a one-year, $3.675-million deal late last week.

Mike Chambers of the Denver Posts suggests Schultz's contract "might make it more difficult" for Barrie and the Avalanche to strike a deal in the next few weeks. Chambers reports Barrie was previously expected to sign a one- or two-year deal worth between $2.4 and $3.5 million per year, but a comparison between the Avalanche defenseman and Schultz could drive that valuation up.

Career Statistics

Tyson Barrie Stats Justin Schultz 64th (2009) Draft Position 43rd (2008) 23 Age 24 106 GP 122 15 Goals 19 36 Assists 41 174 Shots 194 4 Plus/Minus -39 50.7 ES Corsi for 43.2

While the gap between the Oilers and Avalanche grew wide this past season, both clubs have been below average over the course of these players' careers; above, we see comparable numbers all over the board, with Barrie holding a distinct advantage in plus-minus and possession metrics.

Chambers further notes head coach Patrick Roy stated Colorado "lost [their] best offensive defenseman" when Johnson was injured during their playoff series against the Minnesota Wild, further tipping the club's hand in terms of how much they value the 23-year-old.

Add it all up, and the Oilers may have inadvertently forced the Avalanche to open the wallet a little wider in order to get Barrie signed.

[Stats courtesy Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com]