Justin Barron made a good first impression by starting his first press conference as a member of the Montreal Canadiens in French. Now he wants the chance to make a good impression on the rink.
The Nova Scotia defenseman was acquired Monday in the trade that sent Artturi Lehkonen to the Colorado Avalanche. William Lagesson, obtained from the Edmonton Oilers in return for Brett Kulak, and he took part in a first practice with the Habs on Wednesday.
” [Le Canadien] is a team that I watched often when I was young. It’s a good opportunity for me and I’m very happy to be here, “said Barron in French, he who was in an immersion program in Halifax from elementary to middle school.
“There was a lot of depth at the Avalanche, he added a little later in English. I had the chance to play two games with the team this year. There is a good core here too. I hope to have the opportunity to play matches and prepare for next season. »
Success at World Juniors
Barron was drafted 25th overall by the Avalanche in 2020. Some believed he would be picked earlier, but a blood clot issue plagued his efforts in his first year of draft eligibility and he slipped a few ranks on the NHL team roster.
He seems to have set the record straight since and notably shone at the World Junior Championship in 2021. He then helped Canada win silver and had Kaiden Guhle, who also belongs to the Canadian, as a playing partner.
“We spoke to each other briefly. It’s exciting for both of us, admitted Barron. We realize we have a decent chance of playing together here one day. We did pretty well at the World Juniors. We have a great chemistry. »
Barron said he was cut only near the end of Avalanche camp last fall. He tried to make the most of that experience, as he got to rub shoulders with stars like Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon.
“It’s crazy to see how competitive they are even in practice,” Barron said.
Barron finally went to polish his game in the American Hockey League. He had five goals and 15 assists in 43 games with the Colorado Eagles. He also said that the two regular games he played with the Avalanche this winter will allow him to be more comfortable during his first outing with the Canadiens.
Wave plan
It remains to be seen when that first encounter in a Habs uniform will take place. Interim head coach Martin St-Louis said there is no specific plan in place. He admitted, however, that management and coaches wanted the opportunity to assess Barron in game situations.
“His game will dictate the plan,” St-Louis said. He has the opportunity to learn our game concepts and it will help him for next season. But it’s up to him to seize his chance, to show us what kind of player he can become. »
The plan for Lagesson is also vague. The Canadiens currently have eight healthy defensemen in their group. Kale Clague also trains with his teammates, but with a jersey denoting that he must avoid contact.
While Barron said he prides himself on being good across the ice, Lagesson admitted to focusing on working in his zone.
“I’m a defender who works hard on the ramps to win his battles. I make simple plays and I move the puck quickly,” explained the 26-year-old Swede.
“I want to show what I can do. I believe this is a great opportunity for me. »
Lagesson has four assists in 30 games with the Oilers this season. He got an average playing time of 12:20.
Drouin and Suzuki absent
Forwards Jonathan Drouin and Nick Suzuki did not participate in the Canadiens’ training at the Bell Sports Complex, instead taking advantage of a day of treatment.
Both were in uniform on Monday, when the Canadiens lost 3-2 in overtime to the Boston Bruins.
St. Louis was unable to confirm whether the two players will be in uniform Thursday, when the Habs host the Florida Panthers.
Forward Brendan Gallagher, who missed the last two games for the Canadiens, is back in the team’s entourage, but has not resumed training. He was sidelined with a virus unrelated to COVID-19, but also suffered what appears to be a back injury last Thursday against the Dallas Stars.
Goaltender Carey Price stayed home Wednesday due to an illness unrelated to COVID-19.