Kaiden Guhle has been in the infirmary since December 31 with an injury to his left knee. Joel Edmundson has not played since January 28, most likely plagued by a recurring back injury. And Arber Xhekaj has been out with a right shoulder in braces since February 14.
The misfortune of some is the happiness of others, as the old saying goes. But you also have to know how to use your chance. In the case of Justin Barron, he’s quietly earning his place in the sun among the Canadian’s six regular defenders.
In his last three games, Barron has hit the target twice and plays steadily to Mike Matheson’s right with an average playing time of just over 16 minutes.
“Ever since I was called off from Laval, I’ve been trying to quietly build my game,” Barron said hours before the team’s departure for Raleigh, North Carolina. I’ve scored two goals lately and I feel like I’m getting more confident offensively. »
“I find that I play better, have more confidence and make better decisions,” he continued. But it also assumes an improved defensive game. I also feel that the coaches trust me more and give me more responsibility. »
At the top of the 2nd wave
With the loss of Xhekaj, Barron was given a mandate to target the second unit on the power play. He also scored the first goal of the game with a shot on the power play in a 4-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
“Justin gives us good hockey,” said Martin St-Louis. He can move the puck and has a good offensive side inside the blue line. He’s defending himself better and better. I find that encouraging. »
In five-a-side, Barron has an experienced partner in Mike Matheson for the last five meetings.
“Mike is helping me 100%, no doubt about that,” replied the former Colorado Avalanche first-round pick. He’s a good defender in the NHL, he has experience and he makes my life easier. He sees the ice well, but he also moves quickly to get out of trouble. I can ask him questions when we return to the bench, I don’t hesitate to do so. He becomes a bit of a teacher to me. I want to be a defender like him in the NHL. »
Now more complete
At the last camp, Barron had big ambitions. The 21-year-old defender, who was acquired at close of trade by Artturi Lehkonen with the Avalanche last year, envisioned opening the season with the Habs.
He didn’t earn his spot on the blue line, however, as he was trailed by Guhle, Xhekaj, Jordan Harris and Johnathan Kovacevic, who were claimed on waivers by the Winnipeg Jets.
For Barron, a return to Laval in the American League spelled failure. But looking back, it was also good for his development.
“I can answer without hesitation that it did me no harm to return to Laval,” he replied. I’ve been working on my defensive play with the Rocket. I got game time on special teams, I jumped on the ice at the end of the game six-a-side when we drew our goalie. I gained trust. I would say I’ve made a significant leap since Christmas. »
“Yes, thanks to my time in the American League, I’m a better defender. I needed to polish my game and got quality replays that I probably wouldn’t have had at the NHL level. »
Barron was recalled by The Rocket on December 27 and now has six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in 17 games with the CH and he has a -3 record.