Watch the awkward phone call as Edmonton Oilers GM tells Tyson Barrie he's been traded

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TJ Tucker
March 29, 2023 (2:53 PM)

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It can't ever really be an easy thing to do, but it's part of the job. On the latest edition of Oilers+, an all-access show that requires a subscription, Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland had just traded defenceman Tyson Barrie (and more) to the Nashville Predators for blueliner Mattias Ekholm. Holland's next job was to call Barrie to tell him the news. Both sides of the conversation can be heard in the clip.

Like him or hate him, Holland has been doing this for a long time and has plenty of experience making these types of calls. Still, you can tell how awkward it is for both sides. Holland wasted no time in ripping off the band-aid.

"Hey Tyson? Yeah, I've traded you to Nashville," said Holland as soon as Barrie answers the phone.

"I want to thank you for everything you've done for us, and I hate these days," Holland continued. "You're a good man and a big part of our team, but you're going to Nashville and Ekholm's coming here."

For his part, while you can certainly hear the surprise in Barrie's voice, he handles it with as much grace as possible.

"Obviously a bit disappointing for me, I wanted to see it through here," said Barrie in response. "But, I understand your guys' needs and I hope it works out for you guys."

Holland went on to praise Barrie for his leadership "on and off the ice", but you can tell by the way he rubs his hand over his face that this isn't a conversation he's enjoying. The phone call then ends abruptly with "Thanks Tys."

It's not often that fans get to see this type of behind-the-scenes interaction. It definitely sheds some light on what players and GMs go through during trades and other awkward situations.