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Improved defence, physicality could be Barron's ticket back to Canadiens

"They saw me coming down here and playing more minutes ... working on parts of my game," blue-liner says of seasoning with Laval Rocket.

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Justin Barron plays the puck at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Oct. 3, 2022.
Montreal Canadiens defenceman Justin Barron plays the puck at the Bell Centre in Montreal on Oct. 3, 2022. Photo by David Kirouac /USA TODAY Sports

If there’s pressure or expectations associated with being a first-round draft choice, Justin Barron masks it well.

“I don’t think there’s that much,” the Laval Rocket defenceman said following Monday’s practice at Place Bell. “At least I try not to put pressure on myself. Obviously, at the time, it’s an honour being a first-round pick, but once you get to the AHL or your first training camp, it doesn’t mean anything anymore. Everyone’s there trying to earn their spot and whoever plays better is going to make the team.”

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At the same time, Rocket head coach Jean-François Houle said every player on his roster is treated equally — whether they were a high or low pick. Even if they were signed as a free agent.

“Everybody’s important to me,” Houle said. “A fifth-rounder is just as important as a first-rounder. As an organization, those players … they’re drafted high. You put a lot of stock into them. It’s important for them to have a good shot at making the NHL.

“I could name you a lot of first-rounders that never made it, but it would be nice if he makes it. And he has the skill set to make it. He does have a chance.”

Barron, a 21-year-old native of Halifax, has already had an interesting career, complete with twists and turns.

Selected 25th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2020, the 6-foot-2, 201-pounder spent portions of two seasons playing for the organization’s AHL affiliate — along with two games in the NHL last season — before being traded to the Canadiens in March, along with a 2024 second-round draft choice, for forward Artturi Lehkonen.

Barron made his Canadiens debut one week later against New Jersey. He played nearly 18 minutes while being paired with Joel Edmundson, along with three overtime shifts. Barron played five games for Montreal, producing a goal and an assist, before being sidelined with an ankle injury, which preventing him from participating in the Rocket’s deep playoff run.

Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis said he was pleased with the small sample size for Barron, who was assigned to Laval this season despite the team carrying eight defencemen, including four rookies.

“I thought I had a pretty good shot to stick with them,” Barron said. “That’s life. I can’t dwell on it. I’m still young. But my goal in training camp was to come in and try to make that team. And I thought I had a pretty decent camp. They saw me coming down here and playing more minutes … working on parts of my game. So far, I’ve gotten better at addressing those things.”

Playing with Otto Leskinen, Barron already has six goals and 12 points in 20 games and is on pace for a 20-goal season. Barron possesses offensive talent and moves the puck well, but Houle said he needs to improve his defensive play and the physical aspect of his game. He’s a right-handed shot, which could work in his favour, given the Canadiens’ shortage of right-handed shooters on the blue ine.

“He has to be physical if he wants to play in the NHL,” Houle said. “Win those low battles. That’s why he’s here. He needs to improve in those situations. He can. He’s a big boy, strong. It’s an important part of the game for a defenceman — to play defensively. To be aware and win your battles.

“But he makes plays and sees the ice well. He’s got size and a good shot.”

The Rocket’s coming off a 4-1 defeat Saturday at Belleville despite outshooting the Senators 50-21. Belleville scored twice on the power-play while adding a short-handed goal. Laval continues to struggle with a 6-11-3 record.

The team was without both goalies for Monday’s practice. Cayden Primeau took five stitches to the head after being hit by a stick against the Senators, while Kevin Poulin is out with an illness. Joe Vrbetic has been recalled from Trois-Rivières of the ECHL.

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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