This could be a make-or-break season for Canadiens' Justin Barron

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The offensive abilities Justin Barron brings to the rink by no means have been questioned.

The Canadiens defenceman skates effortlessly, has good imaginative and prescient, is clever and possesses sturdy puck-moving capability. As a substitute, it has been the defensive aspect of Barron’s recreation that has hindered his progress.

Whereas nonetheless solely 22, the sensation all through coaching camp is that this may very well be Barron’s final alternative at common NHL employment — at the very least with the Canadiens — given the crew’s depth alongside the blue line and quite a few younger gamers ready within the wings.

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The Halifax native realizes what’s at stake.

“I clearly need to be a full-time NHL participant,” Barron mentioned after Tuesday morning’s Bell Centre skate previous to going through the Ottawa Senators within the Canadiens’ penultimate exhibition recreation. Barron will probably be within the lineup, paired with Jayden Struble.

“My purpose at camp has been to crack the opening-night roster,” Barron continued. “I feel this season is tremendous essential. This yr I actually need to stick, play a full season and set up myself as an NHL participant. Clearly, there was some bumps within the street on the best way there.

“It’s a tricky league, however I’ve felt good about my camp up to now, good about the place my recreation is at. I need to be within the lineup each night time.”

Barron, 6-foot-2 and 202 kilos, started final season properly however began to battle defensively in December and ultimately was demoted to the Laval Rocket, Montreal’s AHL affiliate, in late January to enhance the defensive facets of his recreation. Given his dimension, administration additionally needed him to turn into extra bodily and troublesome to play in opposition to.

Barron in all probability would have ended the season with the Rocket, however was recalled in April after fellow defencemen Kaiden Guhle suffered a concussion and Arber Xhekaj underwent season-ending shoulder surgical procedure. Guhle is recovering this season from having his appendix eliminated, however has resumed practising with the crew whereas carrying a non-contact jersey.

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Nonetheless a gap was created final Saturday when David Reinbacher suffered a knee damage in opposition to Toronto. On Tuesday morning the Canadiens introduced Reinbacher underwent surgical procedure on his left knee and will probably be sidelined between 5 and 6 months, doubtlessly ending his season.

And with the trades of Jordan Harris to Columbus and Johnathan Kovacevic to New Jersey, there may very well be some openings for Barron to kill penalties. He’s one in every of 9 defencemen remaining with Montreal.

“The following step for me is being dependable defensively, being robust to play in opposition to and establishing that function,” Barron mentioned. “Offence is a part of my recreation and can all the time be there; I be ok with that half. I undoubtedly need to take that subsequent step defensively and get some belief from the teaching workers.

“Popping out of junior, everybody’s so much greater and quicker,” added Barron, a former first-round (twenty fifth total) draft alternative by Colorado in 2020. “I felt like I used to be taking part in some actually good hockey for a few months final yr earlier than I used to be despatched down. Then I went right into a little bit of a lull. I’ve discovered to take nothing without any consideration. I really feel extra assured about my recreation now.”

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Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged camp is essential for each participant, particularly younger prospects. He mentioned he talked to Barron at season’s finish in the course of the exit conferences and circled again with him once more in midsummer.

“I feel he is aware of what’s the job for him,” St. Louis mentioned. “I really feel like he’s had a stable camp. There’s been development within the stuff we’re speaking about. Now it’s discovering that consistency.”

In the meantime, Nick Suzuki, Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield and Josh Anderson weren’t anticipated to decorate in opposition to Ottawa. Forwards Lucas Condotta and Luke Tuch have been recalled from Laval to fill out the lineup. They have been slated to play on the fourth line with Michael Pezzetta.

“There’s all the time alternatives,” St. Louis mentioned. “Every time there’s alternatives you consider. This can be a lengthy season. You’re not going to play with 23 guys. There’s going to be some guys out and in. For us it’s managing the workload of some gamers, the quantity of video games they’re going to play.”

hzurkowsky@postmedia.com

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