It feels like the NHL Trade Deadline is here, but it isn't. With the NHL Holiday Freeze taking place on December 19, the Montreal Canadiens are getting in on the action by trading defenseman Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators for defenseman Justin Barron.
The Canadiens acquired defenseman Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Justin Barron.
Press release ↓ #GoHabsGo
— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) December 19, 2024
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The Canadiens were looking to fill a need on the right side of their defense. Carrier fits the mold with three years left on his $3.75 million deal; he brings a veteran to a team with many young defenders.
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The Montreal Canadiens acquired Alex Carrier from Nashville #gohabsgo #smashville @DcalabrettaTFP pic.twitter.com/Au2HzvRUBg
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) December 19, 2024
The carrier recently signed a three-year extension with the Nashville Predators and was the subject of trade talks dating back to last season. Marc D'Amico of RG Media reported that the Canadiens are looking to add on the right side of defense.
Montreal has that in Carrier. They also get a player with great potential who may have been underutilized with the Predators.
Alex Carrier, acquired by MTL, is the top four defenseman. I've been a fan for a few years but he's having a tough season in a tough role. At his best he plays a disruptive defensive game that is effective despite his small size and has an offensive impact. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/B6iYAQdFe8
– JFresh (@JFreshHockey) December 19, 2024
Alexandre Carrier has 69 points (11 goals and 58 assists) in 245 regular season games with the Predators.
The 28-year-old, right-handed tackle is in Year 1 of a three-year, $3.75M deal. An obvious need was filled, while trading for a young player who didn't prove overly reliable during his time with Montreal.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) December 19, 2024
Meanwhile, the Canadiens could release a player who couldn't find his way. Remember, the Canadiens got Justin Barron in a package when they traded Arthur Lehkonen to the Colorado Avalanche.
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The Canadiens were hoping to get a young defenseman who would grow with the team. Unfortunately, others like Lane Hutson and Arber Xhekaj passed him. Barron had just signed a two-year, $2.3 million contract with an AAV of $1.51 million.
The Canadiens take their right defenseman.
Justin Barron couldn't find his place in Montreal, and he may start over with Nashville.
– Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) December 19, 2024
Many are wondering why the Predators GM would trade Carrier, who recently signed Barron to an extension.
I need to ponder Barry Trotz choosing not to trade Alexandre Carrier at the deadline, sign him to a 3-year extension and then trade him for a 23-year-old who may not be anything close to Alexandre Carrier as an NHL defenseman…
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) December 19, 2024
However, the Predators have a history of developing an untapped power forward.
From the Preds' point of view, they succeeded in developing a young D and saw upside in Barron. Small, large and inexpensive.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 19, 2024
Trotz continues to reshape the Predators even after the win. Remember you put Dante Fabbro on waivers. He said that if things don't turn around, he will give them a chance to play for younger players. They may not be done as they are looking for a second center of coordination.
The Canadiens arrived before the game. Don't forget that the Montreal Canadiens have players like David Savard, Christian Dvorak, Jake Evans, and Mike Matheson; teams will be eager to advance.
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