Is Justin Barron done with the Canadiens? He has been removed from the lineup
The Montreal Canadiens have announced some bad news for Justin Barron ahead of tonight's matchup against the Edmonton Oilers.
After returning to the lineup for just one game last Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the 23-year-old defenseman will once again be left out by Martin St-Louis.
He is being replaced by David Savard, who is back in the lineup after missing the last game due to injury.
Justin Barron's future in Montreal is increasingly uncertain
The start of the season for Justin Barron, a first-round pick of the Colorado Avalanche in 2020, has raised concerns about his future with the Canadiens.
In his fourth professional season, it is time for him to establish himself on the defensive brigade.
However, his limited use by the club since the beginning of the year seems to indicate that he is struggling to reach the next level in his development.
Barron has played in only nine of the Canadiens' 18 games this season, or only half. While three of his absences are due to injury, he has also been left out by his coach six times, while he was healthy.
Through his last two appearances, he was limited to 10:52 and 12:48 of ice time, well below the standards for a regular defenseman.
This reflects a clear lack of confidence in him from Martin St-Louis.
With just one goal in nine games this season, the Halifax native is struggling to meet expectations for an offensive-minded defenseman.
Barron, acquired in the Artturi Lehkonen trade in 2022, was expected to become a defensive pillar for the organization.
However, his current performance suggests that he no longer has a place with the Habs and that he could be included in a major upcoming transaction.
If that doesn't happen this season, it's very likely that his departure will be considered during the upcoming summer period.
