8th year defenseman Mark Barberio(45) was recently claimed off waivers from Montreal Canadiens by Colorado Avalanche and with a new start looks to play himself into a full-time role with the young squad that’s fully out of a playoff hunt.
In two games he already has a pair of assists (recorded in one 4-0 win) giving him 6 for the season.
As one of the last training camp cuts to be sent to affiliate St. John’s IceCaps, he was recalled and reassigned on at least half a dozen occasions.
Through 20 AHL games he has 3 goals and 15 assists, which puts him close to a point-per-game skater, where he mostly falls in the minors.
He hasn’t quite achieved what he did in his sophomore campaign with Norfolk Admirals (13-48-61, +28) but also spent two 2013-2015 up with his draft club Tampa Bay Lightning.
The 26-year old, 2010 QMJHL Champion with Monton Wildcats, comes having 161 big league games’ experience, while maintaining a +6 rating.
Signed for two years he may have found a nice landing spot through 2017/2018 (and beyond).
Mark Barberio(8) Norfolk Admirals
Tampa Bay Lightning 6th round pick in the 2008 draft (#156 overall), 2nd year defenseman Mark Barberio(8) is having himself another career year with their AHL affiliate Norfolk Admirals.
He leads all defenseman in the league with 47 assists, tied for 2nd in plus/minus (+25) and overall points (60). In his first campaign he established a new record for points, assists and points among rookie defenseman.
He was recently named winner of the Eddie Shore Award as the outstanding blue liner for the 2011/2012 season and also picked as a 1st team AHL All-Star.
One surprising note in all that is good so far in his pro career, the 22-year old has yet to receive an NHL recall despite all the success.
It’s seemingly the one thing that has eluded the 6’1″ 200 lbs. d-man.
He’s in the 2nd year of his 3-year entry level deal.