Ten days after the transaction that sent Justin Barron to Nashville in exchange for Alexandre Carrier, the first impressions are also cruel in Nashville.
What was supposed to be a new opportunity for Barron quickly turned into a nightmare. During this time, Carrier, without making any noise, became a centerpiece of the Montreal defense, meeting the expectations placed on him.
If the Predators were hoping to revive the young defender’s career, Barron’s debut already suggests a miscalculation.
Last night, in a humiliating 7-4 loss to the Blues, Justin Barron was nothing short of atrocious. Used as a seventh defenseman, he only spent seven minutes on the ice, but that short time was enough for him to finish the night with a -3 rating.
Barron seemed completely overwhelmed, making multiple mistakes and delivering performances worthy of a player terrified of pressure.
His hesitant movements and inability to deal with opposing attacks brought to mind the image of a “scared Bambi who has just lost his mother”, a cruel but sadly relevant comment.
Nashville supporters are already starting to express their frustrations. During today’s practice, Barron was an extra, a clear sign that he will likely be left out for the next game. It only took two games for the Predators’ patience to crumble.
In Montreal, it’s quite the opposite. Alexandre Carrier, acquired to stabilize the defense, does exactly what was expected of him.
Without being spectacular, he plays big minutes, excels on the numerical disadvantage, and offers defensive security that the Canadian was desperately looking for.
Since his arrival, Carrier has become a pillar of the Montreal brigade, playing with consistency and efficiency. He quickly earned the trust of Martin St-Louis and his teammates, providing a stability that Justin Barron could never provide. Above all, Carrier contributes to the victories. In a team where defense has often been singled out, he represents a breath of fresh air.
It is obvious that Nashville has capitalized on the potential of Justin Barron. At 23 years old, the former first-round pick has physical and offensive qualities that, in the right environment, could blossom.
But after only two matches, the situation is serious. Barron failed to take his chance, and his move to an extra in practice already indicates a loss of confidence on the part of the coaching staff.
If the Predators’ goal was to get rid of Carrier’s contract, the gamble seems risky. At $3.75 million per year until 2025-26, Carrier represented an affordable cost for a reliable and versatile defender.
By giving him up for Barron, Nashville took a risk which, for the moment, is not paying off. Worse yet, this transaction could be seen as a theft from Montreal if Barron continues to crumble under pressure.
The transaction, although still recent, is already beginning to draw a preliminary verdict. In Montreal, the Canadian reaps the benefits of an experienced defender who immediately contributes to the team’s cause. In Nashville, Justin Barron represents an enigma who, for the moment, seems to be sinking into failure.
Barron had proclaimed loud and clear that he never had a chance in Montreal. Yet the opportunities he was given in Nashville resulted in disastrous performances.
The Predators were hoping to revive the young defender, but given his first steps, they must already be wondering if this gamble was worth it.
For the Habs, the Barron-Carrier exchange has been, so far, a clear success. By sacrificing a disappointing prospect, Kent Hughes solidified his defense with a player capable of filling the team’s immediate needs.
Carrier is not a long-term solution, but he is exactly what Montreal needed to navigate this critical phase of rebuilding.
For Justin Barron, time is running out. If his performance in Nashville does not improve quickly, he risks seeing his NHL career change forever.
And for the Predators, this trade could quickly become an embarrassing example of poor evaluation
. Meanwhile, Montreal savors its victory.
