The Nashville Predators traded defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Justin Barron. The deal sends Carrier back to his hometown after being drafted by Nashville in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL draft and playing 245 career games in gold.
The blue line deal is bringing youth to the Predators roster. Justin Barron, 23, was drafted 25th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2020 and made his NHL debut on December 14, 2021 against the New York Rangers. His second and final game in an Avalanche unifrom was just two days later when Barron traveled with Colorado to Nashville to play the Predators on Decemeber 16, 2021, a game the Predators won 5-2.
Barron was traded to the Montreal Canadiens on March 21, 2022 as a part of a deal that landed the Avs Arturri Lehkonen. Barron played 109 games with the Canadiens, recording 13 goals and 31 points before being traded once more to Nashville on Wednesday evening. This season Barron has played 17 games and scored one goal, his only point thus far.
Barron is a player the Predators have had their eye on. This morning Barry Trotz talked about the deal that brings Barron to Nashville.
“I actually tried to acquire [Barron] last year,” Trotz revealed.
Despite just 17 games with the Canadiens, Trotz feels that there is a lot to like about Barron’s game and Trotz feels that the young defenseman was under utilized in Montreal.
“We have a great track record working with young defensemen,’ Trotz said. “What we’ll get is a younger player, former first round pick. He’s got some size to him. He’s 6’2″, 210, 215 pounds. He’s got some length, and he’s a really good skater.”
Barron’s arrival in Nashville was delayed due to travel complications, and Trotz does not expect to see him in the lineup against the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Trotz says Brunette will need to spend time getting to know the new player and finding his role with the team.
“I always say you don’t know until you own it,” Trotz said.
“I could say I know Justin Barron’s game because we watch lots of games. You don’t know how a player is going to react until you’re in that dressing room as a coach.”
Barron will have a friendly face in the locker room once he arrives as he reunites with former Halifax Mooseheads teammate Zachary L’Heureux. Barron was the captain of the QMJHL team in the 2020-2021 season when L’Heureux made his debut and played 33 games.
“Justin’s a good guy,” L’Heureux said. “He was one of those leaders I got to look up to going through junior and coming into pro. He’s a well rounded guy that’s good in every area of the ice.”
“He’s going to be a good addition.”
L’Heureux texted with Barron last night after the news broke. As one of the newest players on the Predators roster, L’Heureux is looking forward to welcoming Barron in the room.
“I think it’s always nice to have familiar faces around,” L’Heureux said. “It’ll be fun to see him around and show him the town. I’m excited to link back up with him and maybe we’ll go grab some beer.”
Barron also played with former Predator Phil Tomasino for Team Canada at the World Juniors in 2020-2021 and later with former Predator Cody Glass at the World Championships for Team Canada in 2022-2023. Tomasino and Glass will skate tonight for the Penguins after being traded from Nashville.
Barry Trotz will save money with this move. In the one for one deal, Carrier’s three year, $3.75 million AAV contract heads to Montreal while the Predators take on Barron’s $1.15 million AAV through the 2025-2026 season.
Trotz didn’t rule out using some of that cap space making another roster move.
“Don’t be surprised,” Trotz said when asked about any further roster moves beyond the addition of Justin Barron.
“If there’s the right piece, I’m going to add it.”
