DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Avalanche signed Tyson Barrie to a two-year deal after a breakout season by the defenseman.

Barrie gave the Avalanche an offensive presence at the blue line as he led the defensemen with 13 goals.

The 23-year-old played a big role in helping the team advance to the playoffs under first-year coach Patrick Roy. Barrie was a key loss when he went out in Game 3 of the postseason series against Minnesota following a knee-to-knee hit from Matt Cooke, who drew a seven-game suspension.

Avalanche executive Joe Sakic described Barrie as “a big part of the young nucleus of our team.”

With three overtime goals last season, Barrie tied Colorado’s single-season record set by David Jones in 2010-11.

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