Canadiens Understandable But Sad To Trade Carrier Barron – Hockey Writers – Canadiens Transaction

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Justin Barron was apparently unemployed after nearly three years with the organization. So, in some ways, it's almost a miracle that the Habs were able to snag Alexandre Carrier, a much-needed defensive presence to replace him on the right side of the defense.

While Carrier is 5-foot-11 (174 pounds), he actually appears to be the logical successor to pending-unrestricted free agent David Savard (6-foot-1, 235 pounds) on that right side. Admittedly, the carrier owns a unique toolkit as a player who is less physical and more flexible. However, that movement, combined with a sense of defensive responsibility is very much in line with general manager Kent Hughes' original vision of an “attack-minded hockey club” with a defensive responsibility.

Notably, Hughes inherited the contract of Savard, who was one of the last players to be signed by GM Marc Bergevin. So, assuming the Canadiens choose not to re-sign a 34-year-old stay-at-home defenseman with poor stats, even though he has Stanley Cup experience who has become a decent fan favorite because of his ability and willingness to block shots. , this by the way Hughes' a way to continue shaping the team in his vision, instead of just trading a player who could not always enter the lineup, and as a right defender.

There's no avoiding the sad fact Barron was one of Hughes' first purchases, as part of what was initially seen as a profitable trade. He has yet to score a single goal in 17 games this season, despite being an attacking player. While Artturi Lehkonen, the head of a running back trade to the Colorado Avalanche at the 2022 trade deadline, has emerged as an incredibly productive top-six forward, in a roundabout way the deal could still be a huge success for the Canadiens. . A second-round pick the Habs also included in the trade for the pick used to select Michael Hage at No. 21 overall last summer.

Related: Canadiens GM Hughes Delivers 2022 Trade Deadline Master Class

Still, there are no guarantees that Hage is on the way out, considering Barron, a former first-round pick (No. 25 in 2020). At just 23 years old, Barron can turn it around. Obviously it won't be the Canadiens. However, there is undeniable, untapped potential, with seven goals scored last season in just 48 games, second best among all Habs defensemen (Mike Matheson). In total, he has collected 31 points in 109 games played with the team. To his credit, Carrier isn't far behind. A 2015 fourth-round pick (No. 115), he scored 69 points in 245 games, all with the Predators.

A carrier may not have the same scoring ability or strength. However, for Hughes to get a player with more defensive experience but the same offensive output for a reasonable three-year, $11.25 million ($3.75 million cap hit) deal is a major coup. Granted, Carrier has been sidelined with a physical injury since earlier this month, but he has reportedly been cleared to play. Therefore, there is no real harm other than letting go of another youth in the form of a talented player. While that essentially translates to the Canadiens giving up to (another) player, the circumstances are slightly different than those of, for example, goalkeeper Cayden Primeau.

The Canadiens logically kept Barron out of training camp because he was no longer exempt from waivers. So, instead of risking losing him for nothing, they apparently chose to try to make it work, despite all the signs that he needed more seasoning. However, due to the defense's log, which isn't really in net, Barron's place in the organization was low, especially with a similarly talented (but defensively lax) defenseman in Logan Mailloux set to step up. on the same right. So, as disappointing as Barron's tenure with the Habs has been, they are undeniably a better team now, especially with a player they can trust in belief in every situation.

Barron is without a doubt very powerful. Carrier may have reached his modest ceiling already at age 28, but an everyday defenseman in a trade that hasn't, at least not with the Habs, is a huge plus.

It is believed that Barron finds his form with a change of position and in a few seasons the fans are crying out for his success as they did with Lehkonen. The truth is, Barron, like Lehkonen as a rejected player on a team full of talent in the same position, would not have been able to get that opportunity with the Canadiens.

Good or bad, that's the situation. And with Mailloux coming in at the end of the spectrum and Lane Hutson emerging on the other end as an offensive threat, Barron was the odd man out, especially since he wasn't in the lineup much to begin with. Even if only in that way, the Carrier is more of an improvement than a replacement. However, there is more than one way.

Summary: The Canadiens had a reason to trade Barron in the first place, especially knowing what they knew at the time. They had reason to keep Barron out of training camp, mostly out of fear of losing him for nothing. And, regardless of how Barron develops from here on out, they deserved to get a Carrier, especially in that context. There should be no doubt.