Irreplaceable free agent receives HUGE compensation from his team.

One of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL has gotten his due in a big way. 

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Colorado Avalanche has signed defenseman Tyson Barrie to a a four-year contract, worth a reported $22 million dollars.

This negotiation has been well documented, as Barrie became the first restricted free agent to make it to an arbitration hearing on Friday. Recent reports have suggested that Barrie was asking for a one-year, $6-million deal, while the Avs' were reportedly seeking for a two-year contract that would have paid Barrie $4 million and $4.25 million respectively.

The two sides agreed on an even longer contract on Sunday, with Barrie's new salary being divided into $5M, $5.25M, $5.75M, and $6M dollar instalments, respectively. 

Barrie is coming off his fourth full season with the Avalanche since being drafted in the third round in 2009.

The 2015-16 campaign marked his second straight season in which the 25-year old led all Avalanche defenders in scoring, doing so while also tying a career high with 13 goals in 78 games. He made his name as one of the most underrated defenders in the NHL, as his combination of youth and talent made him a viable trade target for many squads.

Now that both sides have come to an agreement, the Avalanche have locked up all of their pending free agents for the 2016-17 NHL season.

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