When the Canadian acquired Alexandre Carrier before Christmas, we knew that he was not arriving in Montreal as the savior of the club.
But after seeing him play nine games in a Canadian uniform, I have the impression that we can all agree with the following sentence.
Alexandre Carrier – even if he doesn’t flash much on the ice – quickly became an important player on the CH blue line because of his efficiency on the ice.
The defender fulfills his role to perfection: he doesn’t take many risks with the puck, he is good in his defensive zone and he brings a more physical element to the Montreal defensive brigade.
It also allows Kaiden Guhle to play on the left… And the pair quickly developed chemistry, which means both defenders are good when playing together.
In all of this, it is especially important to mention that Kent Hughes was able to get him out of Nashville… For the services of a guy who was looking for himself (and who is still looking for himself) in Justin Barron.
And that’s why in his recent podcast, Elliotte Friedman says that there are clubs who blame themselves for not having made the transaction.
The Canadian didn’t give much and today finds himself with a quality defender who plays in the top-4, after all.
Knowing that it “just” took Barron to get Carrier out of Nashville, we realize that this is a “salary dump” for the Preds, who seem to be in the process of rebuilding.
And this, even if Barry Trotz had Barron in his sights for a long time.
Carrier, remember, has a contract of $3.75 million per season which ends at the end of the 26-27 campaign.
He is in the first year of his three-year agreement.
That said, the Canadian found himself in an advantageous situation because he had some savings on his payroll to make a transaction like that.
The fact that the Canadian had room on his mass is an advantage, because it also allowed Kent Hughes to trade for Patrik Laine. CH was the only club that could (and wanted) swallow the Finnish striker’s full salary and that clearly helped the Montreal GM in his discussions with Don Waddell.
To return to Carrier, note that his positive impact on the ice rink is also noticed in the club locker room.
Juraj Slafkovsky praised him in his most recent blog (LNH.com):
Wow, he already has quite an impact on the ice, but also inside the locker room. –Juraj Slafkovsky
The sample size is small, but for now, Kent Hughes really seems to have made a good move.
Especially when we hear that there are other clubs who blame themselves for having missed the opportunity to add the Quebecer.
In burst
– YES, YES AND YES.
– Oh yes !
– Great statistic.
– It’s sad.
