3 Reasons the Canadiens Might Be Sad to See Justin Barron Go

Earlier this week, The Hockey Writers’ Ryan Szporer wrote a solid analysis of the Montreal Canadiens’ recent trade of defenseman Justin Barron. The Canadiens acquired Halifax-born defenseman Justin Barron on March 21, 2022, in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche that included a second-round pick in the 2024 draft (Carter George) in exchange for forward Artturi Lehkonen.

The trade marked the end of a tenure for Barron that never quite lived up to its promise. While the acquisition of Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators addresses some key team needs, there are still reasons for Canadiens fans to feel sad about parting with Barron. Here are three reasons why.

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Barron’s Untapped Potential

Justin Barron was once considered a cornerstone acquisition for the Canadiens, arriving as part of a trade package for Artturi Lehkonen in 2022. A first-round pick (25th overall) in 2020, Barron showed flashes of offensive promise during his time with Montreal. He scored seven goals in 48 games last season, ranking second among Habs defensemen in scoring. Despite these glimpses, Barron never delivered on his potential, putting up only 31 points across 109 games with the team.

At just 23 years old, Barron’s future remains bright. A change of scenery with the Predators might help him rediscover his game. If Barron succeeds in Nashville, Canadiens fans may lament the one that disappeared.

The Emotional Attachment to Homegrown Talent

Barron wasn’t just any player—he was one of GM Kent Hughes’ first significant acquisitions. He symbolized the team’s early steps toward rebuilding under a new regime. There’s an inherent emotional investment in seeing young, talented players grow and thrive within the organization.

Trading Barron signifies more than just moving on from a player who didn’t pan out; it’s also an acknowledgment that sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Fans often feel disappointed when the team gives up on someone who was once a symbol of its future.

The Risk of History Repeating Itself

The Canadiens have seen this story before. Players like Lehkonen have left Montreal and thrived elsewhere, leaving fans to wonder, “What if?” Trading Barron raises similar concerns. If he evolves into a top-four defenseman or an offensive dynamo in Nashville, it could reignite debates about Montreal’s player development system and whether the organization gave up on Barron too soon.

While Carrier’s skillset fills an immediate need on the Canadiens’ blue line, his ceiling is likely more limited than Barron’s untapped potential. If Barron flourishes in Nashville, this trade could be another example of Montreal moving on from talent prematurely.

What’s Next for the Canadiens?

With Carrier joining the roster, the Canadiens have bolstered their defensive corps with a more dependable player on his own end. Carrier’s mobility and defensive awareness align with GM Hughes’ vision for an “offensive-minded hockey club” that remains responsible in its zone. At 28 years old, Carrier is likely in his prime and can contribute immediately, making him an upgrade in reliability.

Looking ahead, the trade also opens the door for Logan Mailloux and Lane Hutson, two young defensemen climbing the Canadiens’ depth chart. The team focuses on developing a balanced blue line that blends offensive skill with defensive stability, a shift from the stay-at-home style of players like David Savard.

Was This a Risk Worth Taking for the Canadiens?

While the Canadiens are undoubtedly a better team today with Carrier on their roster, the trade for Barron wasn’t just about the present—it was about the future. If Barron blossoms in Nashville, Montreal could again face criticism for letting another talented player slip through their fingers. However, given the depth of their prospect pipeline and the immediate needs on their blue line, the trade represents a calculated gamble.

For Canadiens fans, the question remains: will this be a move to celebrate or one to regret? Only time will tell.

Related: Insider Debunks Canadiens’ Rumored Michkov Draft ‘Mistake’