BROSSARD | We can say what we want about Justin Barron’s current performance, but there’s one thing we can never take away from the young man: he doesn’t shy away from the media, no matter the context.
On Wednesday morning, after training in Brossard, the 22-year-old defender, who now accepts being asked questions in French, was ready to discuss his situation in the CH camp. Criticized by many for his performances in recent weeks, he claims to know what he needs to do to secure a place in the team.
Watch the young man’s interview in the main video.
“Last year at the end of the season I was clearly told what I needed to work on. This year I talked to the coaches a little bit, but not that much. I know what I have to do. The message I was given was clear.”
Barron was once again informed by the author of these lines about the type of corrections he was requesting and demonstrated great transparency.
“To be better in my area and play harder. Basically, we want me to be more strict about the distance I leave between the puck carrier and myself. If I recover the disc better and have it in my possession more often, I can do more offensively.
Revealing numbers, undeniable offensive talent
Speaking of offensive work: On Wednesday, the right-back reminded everyone who had forgotten that he had the necessary means to do so.
During a two-on-two drill, he mocked David Savard, showed patience and skillfully scored around the net.
Justin Barron steals the show during a 2-on-2 drill on full ice.
A sequence that reminds us that he has talent.
Yes, Roger-Gustave, I know that training and a game are two different things. pic.twitter.com/XZoJuQM70S
— Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) October 4, 2023
“Scoring in training gives you confidence and inspires you for the games,” commented the main player. It’s always nice to thread the needle into the needle, even while practicing. I have always placed great emphasis on my offensive game and am proud of it, especially with the Halifax Mooseheads. Of course, it’s harder to produce as a professional, but I work very hard to achieve it on a regular basis.
“Regularly.” That’s the key. Last year, Barron put up very interesting numbers in the NHL between January 17th and March 24th: 14 points in 22 games.
An average of 0.64 points per game, which was the 29th most impressive in the entire Bettman circuit during this period. Even more convincing than that of players like Victor Hedman, Moritz Seider and Thomas Chabot.
Statistics like these are not created by chance. It requires a relatively large amount of talent. But in the NHL you also have to be consistent and versatile in order to establish yourself in the long term.
“Very satisfied” with his performance
And during that camp, Barron objectively didn’t shine in either of those areas.
However, he insists that he is satisfied with his work so far, even if it surprises more than one person.
“Overall I am very happy with what I showed. I now hope to have the opportunity to play in Ottawa on Saturday.”
Photo AFP
If we consider that CH wants to use seven defenders at the beginning of the season and Michael Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, David Savard, Arber Conclusion: Barron is fighting with Gustav Lindstrom and Mattias Norlinder for the last available chair on the blue line.
Do Martin St-Louis, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have the same opinion about his camp as Barron?
The answer will come quite quickly.