Dave Barr's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Selected in the eighth round as the 128th overall pick, Barr's entry into the National Hockey League (NHL) was the start of a career that would see him play for several teams over more than a decade. Although he was drafted by the Bruins, Barr did not play for them in the NHL. Instead, he made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers during the 1981-82 season.
Barr's time with the Rangers was brief, and he soon found himself moving to the St. Louis Blues. It was with the Blues that he began to establish himself as a reliable forward. Over the course of three seasons with St. Louis, Barr developed a reputation for his work ethic and consistency on the ice. His ability to play both ends of the rink made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
In 1986, Barr was traded to the Hartford Whalers, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a forward. His tenure with the Whalers was short-lived, as he was soon on the move again, this time to the Detroit Red Wings. It was with the Red Wings that Barr enjoyed some of his most productive years in the NHL. Playing in Detroit from 1987 to 1990, he became known for his defensive play and ability to contribute offensively when needed. Barr's time with the Red Wings saw him reach career highs in goals and points, solidifying his role as a dependable player.
Following his stint with the Red Wings, Barr joined the New Jersey Devils in 1990. His experience and steady play were assets to the Devils, and he played a key role in helping the team reach the playoffs during his time there. Barr's tenure with the Devils lasted until 1992, after which he moved to the Dallas Stars. His time with the Stars was brief, and he soon found himself playing for the San Jose Sharks.
With the Sharks, Barr continued to be a steady presence on the ice. His veteran experience was valuable to the young franchise, and he provided leadership both on and off the ice. Barr's NHL playing career concluded with the Sharks in 1994, marking the end of a career that spanned over a decade and included more than 600 NHL games.
Throughout his career, Barr was known for his reliability and consistency. He was a player who could be counted on to perform his role effectively, whether it was contributing to the offense or playing a strong defensive game. After retiring as a player, Barr transitioned into coaching and management roles within the hockey world, continuing his involvement in the sport he had dedicated much of his life to.
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