

Tyson Barrie was selected 64th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and spent eight seasons with the NHL club before he was dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a blockbuster deal on July 1.



Over the years Barrie worked his way up to become the Avs’ No. 1 defenceman, but nothing lasts forever, especially in sports. After taking a few days to fully digest the trade, the 27-year-old put all of his emotions and thoughts into a heartfelt message that he shared on Instagram on Wednesday night.



Barrie suited up in 484 regular season games for the Avalanche and holds the franchise records for most goals (75), assists (232) and points (307) by a defenceman in franchise history, so the trade wasn’t easy on Barrie or any Avalanche fans.



It is really tough for me to put into words what it has meant to me to live in Denver and play for the Avs the past 8 years. I can’t thank the organization enough for the opportunity to grow as a player and person. I’ve been surrounded by amazing people my entire time here, from teammates and staff to front office and everybody at the Pepsi center. You have always looked out for me and made me feel like family. I’ve made life long friends in hockey and around the city and I’m so grateful for that. I couldn’t have asked for a better city or environment to start my career in. I may be leaving but Denver will always be special to me and a place I would be proud to call home. Thank you to the fans who always seemed to have my back no matter how many turnovers I had! I appreciate you guys letting me be myself and embracing the lighter side of the game. It’s an exciting time to be an Avs fan and you guys deserve it!

It has been a crazy few days for me but I couldn’t be more excited to go to Canada and join the Toronto Maple Leafs to start the next chapter of my career!

The Victoria, BC native is on the move for the first time in his professional career, but you can expect that Maple Leafs fans are going to welcome him with open arms as soon as he gets to town.

(H/T Instagram/tysonbarrie4)