When it comes to the Canadiens’ young defensemen, Justin Barron often goes under the radar. That may be because he didn’t start in Montreal last season and had to wait for the massacre to reach the Habs’ infirmary before coming to the metropolis.
However, at just 21 years old, the Nova Scotian still has great potential ahead of him. And over the summer he had the opportunity to test himself against some of the best strikers in the world. When he returned to his native Nova Scotia, he joined a group that included Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon and Brad Marchand.
” It was fantastic. “It makes coming home much more productive,” said the young man about these sessions on the ice. It was excellent for the further development of my defensive game. It will pay off. »
Competing against two of the NHL’s sharpest forwards on a daily basis can accelerate a young player’s development. Especially when the style of these attackers is a little different.
“In the straights, Nate is superior because of his speed and the way he attacks. In the corners, in tight spaces and in front of the net, it’s Sid. “He’s so good at protecting the puck with his stick and his body,” Barron described.
Not wanting to leave the Bruins captain behind, he continued: “Marchand is tough. He’s like a dog looking for a bone, he never lets go. He competes until the end of the exercises. »
Speaking of tough competitors, Crosby has always had a reputation as a workaholic. What Barron saw.
“Watching Sid, you realize how hard you have to work to make it to the NHL. He is 34 years old and still works just as hard. Every time he steps on the ice he has a goal in mind. He wants to constantly improve. It shows how much effort you have to put in to be the best. »
Photo Martin Chevalier
Like a sponge
Barron thus continued a summer of learning. While his teammates recovered from injuries or took a break before returning to training, he filled his bag with experience.
Like Samuel Montembeault, Barron was invited to take part in the World Championships. Event where Canada won the gold medal.
“During these three weeks I took the opportunity to see how certain players behaved. “I was a sponge, I paid attention to details,” Barron explained at the end of the Canadian’s training session.
Brendan Gallagher, who won gold in the competition himself in 2016, recognizes that it is a unique experience for a young player.
“When you play in the World Cup, you spend time with some of the best players in the NHL and you get something from them,” the veteran said. I hope JB incorporates that experience into his game this season. »
Weegar, the example to follow
Barron knew exactly who he would be following when he received his invitation.
“MacKenzie Weegar is one of the ones I paid special attention to,” he said. I grew up watching him play with the Mooseheads. I like the way he plays. »
Weegar is a Flames defenseman who was part of the trade that sent Jonathan Huberdeau to Calgary. He is known for his defensive style. Since he’s right-handed like Barron, he doesn’t hate the rugged game. Additionally, if Barron admits he wants to improve the physical side of his game, there’s no question for him running anywhere to make the big check.
“Playing physically isn’t just about shouldering. It also means being quick on your skates and getting in front of your opponent in the defensive zone, having a good stick and being strong to fend off attackers. »
Knowing his offensive capabilities, he will be able to compete in the NHL if he focuses on developing that aspect of the game.
- The Canadian will continue his preparation plan on Friday and receive a visit from the Maple Leafs. This will be the first of a series of three games over four nights between the two great rivals.