Keeping Justin Barron Around Makes Sense

When the Montreal Canadiens re-signed Justin Barron to a two-year contract, I thought it was worth a shot. Not because he was the 25th overall pick in 2020. The reason is, he’s only 23, and sometimes a defenseman can take until 25 to develop.

In 109 games with the Canadiens, he has just 13 goals and 18 assists. I remember him in his draft year and I thought he was a good puck-moving defenseman, with some size, and he could score some points. The offense hasn’t blossomed but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a useful defenseman in the NHL.

He’s shown more offensively in Laval, which makes sense but in 17 games in Montreal this season, he only had one goal and that’s not good enough. Does he still have upside?

Related: Justin Barron Is Feeling Good About His Game in Laval

He’s not overly physical and he’s getting 2.4 shots on net per game. Barron has decent stickwork and he’s averaging more time on the penalty kill than the power play.

Barron skates well and his long reach can get him some goals and it helps on defense. There is possibly something there and the Canadiens have until next year to find out. He’s a likable guy. And that’s good in the room.

I think Barron has second-pairing tendencies but that’s not the place for him. The third pairing is safer if you ask me. See if he can add some offense and hold his own otherwise. Otherwise, he may be nothing more than an NHL depth defenseman.

Note: I guess the Canadiens felt he was only a depth defenseman so they traded him.