FINISHED DEAL: The Canadiens formally declared the addition of two seasoned players to the squad.
The Montreal Canadiens have acquired defender Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Justin Barron, further altering their blue line ahead of the NHL roster freeze. General manager Kent Hughes of the Canadiens made the announcement on Wednesday.
This season, Carrier, a 27-year-old native of Quebec, has appeared in 28 games with the Predators, averaging 20:08 minutes of ice time per game and producing seven points (one goal, six assists). Carrier, who has been a crucial penalty killer due to his active stick and flexibility, has averaged 2:44 per game when shorthanded, which is the second-highest on Nashville’s roster. Carrier has scored 69 points (11 goals, 58 assists) in 245 NHL games.
Justin Barron, a 23-year-old defenceman who has one goal in 17 games for Montreal this season, is on his way to Nashville. In 109 NHL games since joining the Canadiens in 2021–2022, Barron has scored 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists).
Barron, who is now with Nashville, is a young, offensive-minded defenseman with a good shot who is most suited for a bottom-pairing position, as @JFreshHockey notes. Carrier, a talented top-four defensive defenceman, is on his way to Montreal. Carrier, who is smaller in stature, is excellent at stopping plays and occasionally contributing offensively. His prior performances demonstrate that he can successfully anchor a defense and support the Canadiens’ blue line, despite his struggles this season in a difficult job.
