<div align='center' style='padding-top:20px;padding-bottom:20px;'><img src='https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/i/photo/316737.webp' width='100%' border='0' alt='image' loading='lazy' defer /></div> Late last season, Tyson Barrie was acquired by the Nashville Predators alongside Reid Schaefer. This move took the fan-favorite defenseman by surprise as he was exchanged for Mattias Ekholm. Reflecting on his departure from Edmonton, Barrie expressed his surprise and sentiments. <h2>Barrie Reflects On Time In Edmonton</h2> <q>Leaving Edmonton was tough on me, for sure, Barrie said. I thought we made some steps the year before, went to the Conference Final. I felt like a big part of that, felt like I was having a pretty good year, and I didn't really think I was on the radar. I had heard some Erik Karlsson rumours. I talked to [Holland], and he told me, �Hey, that's kind of the only place you're going to go if we have a chance to get Erik Karlsson.' I said, �Hey, I get it, no problem.' Something came together last minute, kind of caught me off guard.</q> Barrie, in a Mitts Off Podcast with Luke Gadzic, revealed his knowledge about being a potential trade bait, as he was alerted by Holland the previous season. Despite his significant contribution to the Oilers, who reached the Western Conference Finals in 2022-2023, rumors were rife about the team's interest in Erik Karlsson. <div class='youtube_container'><iframe class='youtube_video' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ng51Xk4cZuw?si=0177d0WIPzdxlE6S' width='100%' loading='lazy' frameborder='0' title='' allow='autoplay; fullscreen' allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <h2>Settling for Ekholm</h2> However, when these rumors subsided, Holland decided to strengthen the Oilers' defense with the acquisition of Ekholm, who played a pivotal role alongside Evan Bouchard. The aspirations for a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman like Karlsson in the Oilers were squashed upon Ekholm's entry. In a twist, a three-team trade saw Karlsson move to the Pittsburgh Penguins, while the Oilers, even at the cost of Barrie, secured a reliable player in Ekholm. <a href='https://www.oilersdaily.com/nhl/news/Ex-Oilers-Defenseman-Barrie-Tells-All-About-How-Holland-Tried-to-Acquire-Erik-Karlsson' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>As Read On Oilers Daily - Ex-Oilers Defenseman Barrie Tells All About How Holland Tried to Acquire Karlsson</a>