Upcoming transaction for the Montreal Canadiens? Kent Hughes might find himself in the position of having to trade Justin Barron

PUBLICATION

Elie Tarabie
September 22, 2023 (9:54)

SHARE THIS STORY

Over the past few weeks, many experts have confirmed that the Montreal Canadiens have one of the best depths at the defenseman position.

Indeed, besides Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, and Jordan Harris, who will be starting their second full season in the NHL this year, several quality prospects such as David Reinbacher, Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, William Trudeau, Adam Engstrom, Jayden Struble, Bogdan Konyushkov, and Miguel Tourigny could carve out a spot with the main team in the coming years.

This congestion on the Canadiens' blue line may possibly force Kent Hughes to make some trades when all these defensemen come of age. In fact, according to Rob Couch, Justin Barron could be the defenseman who gets the short end of the stick, who, despite a notable stint with the Red-White-Blue last year, is far from guaranteed to start the season in Montreal this year.

The Montreal Canadiens have excellent depth at the defenseman position, and Justin Barron could be one of the talented young players soon to be traded. As a player still exempt from waivers, it's unlikely he'll join the Tricolore at the beginning of the season, unless he greatly impresses the Canadiens' management during training camp.

Regarding his competition on the right side, several defensemen such as David Reinbacher, Logan Mailloux, David Savard, Johnathan Kovacevic, and Bogdan Konyushkov may eventually take his spot. Barron remains an excellent player who showed great things last season in 39 games (15 points) with the Canadiens. He could be used as trade bait when Kent Hughes looks to make a deal.

- Rob Couch

Acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in the trade involving Artturi Lehkonen, the young right-handed defenseman performed very well with the Laval Rocket, scoring seven goals and nine assists (16 points) in 25 games last season. His outstanding performances allowed him to finish the year with the Montreal Canadiens. He seized this opportunity well, accumulating 15 points in 39 matches, but his defensive shortcomings worry some journalists.

At 21 years old, Barron will need to continue his progression this season if he hopes to keep his spot in Martin St-Louis's lineup and become indispensable to the organization's leaders. Otherwise, it wouldn't be surprising if the Canadiens' general manager, Kent Hughes, wants to involve him in a trade when David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux are ready to step up.

Do you believe Justin Barron will remain with the Tricolore in the coming years?