TB4 has left the building.

Tyson Barrie, who spent the first eight of his 14-year pro career with the Colorado Avalanche, called it a career after 822 games in the NHL. The 5-foot-11 defenseman is the Avalanche’s best draft pick outside the first round over the last 20 years, as a large majority of his 508 career points came in an Avalanche uniform. He’s one of 64 NHL players to play over 800 games after being drafted in the third round.

The British Columbia native chatted exclusively with The Denver Gazette about his retirement, his favorite memories and how he’d like to be remembered:

The Denver Gazette: I was surprised to see you at the alumni game. When did you know you were going to be calling it a career?

Tyson Barrie: I think first period of the alumni game is when I knew it was over (laughs). No, I’m kidding. I kind of came to the conclusion a while ago. It was a bit half-hearted. You want to play as long as you can and take everything the game can give you. I was holding out hope a little bit, but I just decided a few weeks ago that it was time. The timing of it all was interesting. I played in the alumni game before announcing it, so I think a lot of people were asking questions, but it was definitely my intention to retire.

DG: How tough was that decision? 

TB: Honestly, it felt pretty organic for me. It was my life; it was a huge part of my life. I’m so grateful for everything it’s given me, the opportunities, the friends. It was tough, but honestly, I’m really looking forward to the next chapter and I don’t have a ton of regrets. Very grateful.

DG: How was the alumni game experience?

TB: It was fun. I’m just freshly out of the game and there was a bunch of the older alumni in there, and they were working hard. I think it was a lot of fun for the fans. Any time you get out on the ice, even when you want to take it easy, it’s kind of part of your nature to compete a little bit. Not surprising it got a little competitive.

DG: Would you like to stay active with the Avalanche alumni?

TB: Yeah, I’d love to. I loved my time in Denver, the organization and how they treated me. Love the city and fans, it’s like a second home for me. I’m very grateful for my time I spent there and would love to continue to do some alumni stuff and be a part of it.

DG: Who were some of the people that helped get you to where you are today?

TB: You start with your parents. I was super lucky. My parents gave me every opportunity — and even my friends around me opportunities — to play and chase their dreams. My dad coached me all through minor hockey and was my biggest fan, supported me all through my NHL career. I’d call him after every game, good or bad. I landed in a great spot with the Kelowna (B.C.) Rockets. Bruce Hamilton was amazing, really put me in a position to succeed and forces you to grow up and become a responsible young adult. You get to Colorado and that’s the organization where I kind of cut my teeth and was able to establish myself as an NHL player, so I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity.

DG: You seemed to never lose sight of the fact that it’s a game. How important was it for you to remember to have fun with it?

TB: There’s a lot of expectations and pressure and anxiety that can come with playing a sport. That’s internally, from coaches, from fans, all that sort of stuff. For whatever reason, maybe my demeanor, I’ve always enjoyed the lighter side of the sport and just life in general. I like to make a joke out of most things. I tried to keep it light for guys and just be a bit of a safe space to go and have a laugh throughout my career. It served me well and maybe I could have been a bit more serious at times, but it’s just who I am. I really enjoyed playing the game and getting to have laughs with all those great teammates that I’ve had.

DG: Did you ever have teammates or coaches tell you that it’s time to lock-in and be serious?

TB: (laughs) No, I was fairly appropriate when it was time. Or I just knew when the coaches weren’t around. (laughs) It was so much fun and I like having a good laugh. There’s obviously times when you dial it in; hopefully it was a good balance.

DG: You were a very popular teammate. What’s the key to being a great “glue guy”?

TB: Humor is a big part of life and I think people really appreciate that. It’s also being willing to help people and talk through stuff that they’re going through. Everyone’s human, and everyone’s fighting their own battles, and just being a guy who’s willing and open to have conversations and pass no judgement. At the end of the day, probably a lot of humor and I was never afraid to have a beer or have a good time too. I think that resonates with people and not taking yourself too seriously.

DG: What’s a favorite Avalanche memory?

TB: One of my favorites with the Avs: we were in Game 82 and we had to beat the Blues to get into the playoffs. The winner got in. I just remember the Pepsi Center was electric. I scored to make it 3-1 and the place just went bananas and we ended up winning and sneaking into the playoffs, which was pretty cool for that team. That was a good memory. I was going through my photos (and) there’s just so many great memories and times. Just dinners on the road between games and rookie parties and vacations. So many great memories from such a great game and a great league and I’m just super fortunate.

DG: When you’re on the bench and Patrick Roy starts pushing the glass down, what’s going through your head?

TB: That was intense. I’m still a young guy at that point, trying to earn my place full-time and you see Patty bring that intensity. I’m already nervous and then he’s trying to fight the other coach… it’s a little overwhelming at the time. Very on-brand and pretty good to see the passion.

DG: Was it intimidating to play for a legend?

TB: I think early on it was, but then you get to know him a little bit and he’s quite a personable guy. He’s passionate but he likes a good laugh as much as anybody. Really enjoyed my time playing with him.

DG: As an undersized defenseman, did you feel like you had to have a chip on your shoulder or show a little bit more to make up for it?

TB: I kind of timed it well coming in early. I was one of the new generation guys, but I had the pleasure of having some good years behind me in Junior and showed I could play. I think the league was open to having some guys like that. The guys that have come after have been pretty significant, some of the generational offensive defensemen that have come through. Just very grateful I was able to come in at a time when that was an acceptable role.

DG: You joked in the past that when Cale Makar showed up, you knew you were in trouble. Did you know a trade in the summer of 2019 was a possibility?

TB: For sure. I think from the moment Cale stepped on the ice with the Avs, it was evident he was going to be a very special player. Unfortunately for me, his role was kind of exactly the one I was in. I would have loved to have stuck around there, but that’s not the way life works. It was part of my journey and I’m grateful I got to move on and play for some other great teams and meet some guys I never would have met otherwise. If you’re going to get your spot stolen, it’s better to have it taken by somebody who’s one of the best defensemen of all-time, so I can’t feel too bad about it.

DG: You got pretzeled by Dustin Byfuglien and you’ve posted it on social media in recent days. Worse than it looked?

TB: It was big, but I just had to do an engine check to make sure everything was good. 

DG: Knowing Gabriel Landeskog, how happy were you to see him get back?

TB: Oh man, Landy. He’s such a great leader and human being. It was a rough couple of years for him and I’d have lots of conversations with him. He worked so hard and it looked grim at some points and it was just so great to see him come back. The reception he got from the sports world and Colorado and the hockey world in general was so well-earned and deserved. Just super happy for him to see him back and doing what he loves and with a smile on his face.

DG: Do you have any interest in staying in hockey, post-retirement?

TB: I’m kind of a busy guy; I like to stay busy. I’ll probably do something, I don’t know what that is yet, but I’ve always been interested in media and (the) management side is something that in the right situation would interest me. I want to be in a position where it’s something that I’ll enjoy doing and I’ll have a passion for and I’ll be good at.

DG: You seem like you’d be a natural on TV.

TB: I’ve never shied away from a camera and the humor aspect of it translates well on TV. I’m definitely going to explore some stuff and see what’s a good fit for me.

DG: What will you miss the most?

TB: I’ll miss a lot, but definitely the comradery that comes with it and getting to walk into a dressing room and make fun of 23 different guys and have a laugh. When you get a big win and you’ve got two days off and you’re on the road and you get to go for beers with the guy’s after, that’s a good feeling — the green light. Good news is these guys are always just a text away. I’m super grateful for all the friendships I’ve gotten to make and I like to stay in touch.

DG: What are you most proud of?

TB: Hockey is one thing. I was a pretty good player on the ice and had some big moments, but definitely the friendships I made throughout the locker room and the impact I hopefully had on some guys. That’ll be a legacy I’d like to leave – how to be a good teammate. 

Editor’s note: Questions and answers were edited for length and clarity.

What I’m hearing

—Barrie became a businessman prior to hanging up the skates, as he did something he had long wanted to do. He started a beer company.

“Chilly Ones,” Barrie’s brainchild, is a low-calorie, low-alcohol beer that donates 10% of its profits to charity. It’s currently available in Canada, but Barrie told The Denver Gazette that Colorado will be their first expansion in the Spring or Summer of 2026.

“It kind of fills a bit of that comradery gap,” Barrie said. “I think there’s 18 former and current players involved in it and you get to chat lots. It’s almost a bit of a locker room feel and I’m really grateful for this opportunity.”

It’s been a crash course for him on how to run a business.

“(I’m learning) lots and lots about business,” he said. “Thrown into the fire a little bit, which is good. I’m enjoying it.”

—In an interview on the KHL website, Avalanche prospect Ilya Nabokov noted that on a scale of 1-10, his English is currently at “zero,” a big reason why he wanted to stay overseas and get comfortable before making the jump to North America. He currently has an English tutor and is taking “Duolingo” classes every day. He’s also changing his stance, focusing on altering his glove placement.

What I’m seeing

—Defensive prospect Mikhail Gulyayev played forward in a preseason game over in the KHL. He scored twice so maybe he’s just naturally good at it, but it’s one example why having prospects in the KHL can be scary. That’s a pro league that doesn’t care so much about development, as they’re focused on winning — just like an NHL team. As previously mentioned in The Insider, Gulyayev is expected to make the jump to North America next year.

—People seem concerned that Martin Necas hasn’t signed an extension yet, but look around the league. None of the top players with one year left on their deals have signed extensions. Connor McDavid said this week he’s not in any rush to get a deal done and Minnesota hasn’t locked down Kirill Kaprizov. Some other big names remain unsigned: Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe and Alex Tuch.

Players like Necas, Kempe and Tuch are likely waiting on the top players (McDavid, Kaprizov) to sign so they can reset the market. With the cap skyrocketing, contracts are going to get pricier. Once that happens, negotiations for everyone else will pick up. Doesn’t mean other guys can’t sign before, but it’s typically the natural order of things.

What I’m thinking

—The NHL could use more players like Barrie, who has never been afraid to show his personality. There’s a reason why every single one of his teammates loved him.

—There are quite a few Avalanche players skating at Family Sports, but Labor Day is usually the unofficial date when guys start getting back into town. We are less than three weeks away from camp getting underway.