(Newark, New Jersey) Justin Barron’s first NHL goal didn’t go unnoticed around here.
Posted at 7:21 p.m.
Even though the Devils were taking on the Rangers at the same time on Tuesday, there are at least two players who made sure to take a look at what the Canadiens newcomer is up to.
The first is Dawson Mercer. Their links? They played in the QMJHL, they both came from the first round of the 2020 draft, they were teammates with Junior Team Canada, but above all, they come from the Maritimes!
“I spent a month with him in the 2021 World Championship bubble, so it was still a good time to get to know each other. I liked it. »
What stood out about his personality? ” Nothing in particular. But the guys from the Maritimes, we have like this bond. It was him, Alex Newhook, Jordan Spence and me. You know you come from the same area. It’s not that we have an underdog mentality, but you’re proud to come from there. You know they are going through the same thing as you. »
The game itself also caught Mercer’s attention. “It was a very nice shot. He skates on the blue, then goes along the ramp… It was pretty good for a first goal! »
The second player who followed this closely was Ryan Graves. He is 26 and therefore not in the same age group as Barron. Except that Graves is also from Nova Scotia, and hockey in this part of the country is a small community.
“We know each other, but I don’t know him that well personally. I don’t know his brother, Morgan, anymore, I often skate with him, explains Graves. »
“I know he was skating with Nate [MacKinnon] during the pandemic, before the draft. Nate told me he’s a good player, a fluid skater, so he has good tools. I hope he will be successful. It’s always good to see guys from the Maritimes succeed. »
As for the goal, Graves especially noted the mobility of the number 52. “It shows in the way he moves in the area. A quick shot of the wrists, upper part, that was good! »
same fate
Like Barron, Graves has also been a victim of the surplus of defenders in Colorado. Last summer, the Avalanche traded him to the Devils for a choice of 2and turn and hope Mikhail Maltsev.
The tall defender is therefore entitled to one time of use within 20 minutes per game for the first time in his career. With 27 points (6 goals, 21 assists), he is having the most productive season of his career.
“With the Avalanche, I was behind guys who will make 70 points. We had Cale Makar, Devon Toews, in addition to Samuel Girard, who can collect 40 or 50 points. These guys deserve to play on the power play.
“By playing here, it allows me to be a little more used in these facets of the game. But I can also pass penalties and play well defensively, which is more in my strengths. »