Justin Barron was happy to secure a position with the Montreal Canadiens at the end of camp and the message from coaches and management was clear even if he was going to start the campaign as a reserve defenseman: “be ready”.
In the space of less than a week, Barron went from the press box to the Habs’ first pair of defenders. Meanwhile, Kaiden Guhle and David Savard took over management of the infirmary.
On Tuesday, in a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, Barron played 21:22. Only his partner Mike Matheson (26:37) spent more time than him on the ice in the Canadian camp.
“We saw good things from “JB” (Barron), insisted head coach Martin St-Louis after the game. We will take things as they come. We will handle this. »
Barron claims to have been happy with his play during the Canadiens’ camp, although many observers were disappointed not to see the same Barron as in winter 2023. The Colorado Avalanche’s first pick in 2020 then played with aplomb at the end of the season with the Habs, accumulating 15 points in 39 games. He then helped Canada win gold at the World Championship.
However, Barron’s weaknesses in his territory were exposed a few times during camp. He also seemed off offensively.
Despite everything, the team decided to keep him with the big club to start the season, preferring him in particular to Gustav Lindström, even if Barron did not have to go on waivers to be sent back to his school club and Lindström, yes .
After watching the first three games of the season from the sidelines, Barron was inserted into the lineup Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. He then scored against the Buffalo Sabers on Monday, then again against the Devils on Tuesday.
“It’s crazy how quickly things can change, especially with injuries,” Barron admitted. That’s why you have to keep yourself ready to play.
“I see this as a great opportunity to seize,” he added. Matheson is an easy player to play with. I would like to find myself in a role with more responsibility and more playing time. I would like to be able to help the team in more situations. »
Barron could notably be used more frequently on the numerical penalty, even if he is mainly recognized for his offensive instinct.
The 21-year-old Nova Scotian recalled that he was employed shorthanded “at all levels” before the NHL. Last winter, he played a total of just over 20 minutes with a man less, in 39 games.
After not playing in this situation in his first two games this season, Barron spent 3:12 shorthanded on Tuesday.
He was on the ice when Tyler Toffoli scored on the power play for the Devils midway through the third period. Same thing when Alexander Holtz hit the target a second after the end of a penalty against the Habs in the first period.
Barron is well aware that the label of unreliable defenseman in his zone still follows him, but he is working to change that perception.
“I came to camp with the intention of being a tougher defender to play against, who is better in defensive territory,” he said. I felt good during the camp and was waiting for my chance. I’m pretty confident with my game right now. »
This is timely, since Barron should be called upon often by defense coach Stéphane Robidas in the coming matches. Barron will now need to translate that confidence into strong performances night after night to demonstrate that he has reached another level in his progression and can continue to take on more important tasks, even when injured players return to action. .