Canadiens Trade Barron for Carrier: Trade Analysis

With the news swirling that Canadiens’ General Manager Kent Hughes had travelled to Russia to scout Ivan Demidov and hold discussions with Roman Rotenberg, few expected a trade to materialize ahead of the NHL’s annual holiday trade freeze, which begins this Friday. From December 20th to the 27th, teams are restricted from making trades. Yet, the Montreal Canadiens made waves last night, announcing they had acquired 28-year-old defenseman Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Justin Barron.

The timing was particularly noteworthy for Carrier, a native of Quebec City, who was hosting his good friend Anthony Beauvillier for dinner. Beauvillier and the Pittsburgh Penguins are currently in Nashville ahead of their Thursday night matchup against the Predators. The news caught Carrier off guard, prompting a brief conversation with Predators GM Barry Trotz, followed by a more detailed discussion with Canadiens VP of Hockey Operations, Jeff Gorton.

Much being made of a translated article from Russian using the word "negotiations". People thinking they #Habs are negotiating bringing Demidov to Canada.Note that the word used in Russian is “переговоры”, which can be translated to discussion, negotiation, conversation, talk, parley. #GoHabsGo

— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2024-12-18T16:25:23.806Z

First Impressions

As highlighted previously, securing an experienced right-handed defenseman was a clear priority for Montreal to restore balance to their blue line—a ratio tilted too heavily toward left-handed shots. Alexandre Carrier was one of the names floated as a potential fit in an earlier piece.

That said, the trade does come with a caveat: while Carrier addresses Montreal’s need for experience, the Canadiens are still losing a right-shot defenseman in Justin Barron. In that regard, it feels like a lateral move. The key difference, however, lies in maturity and consistency. At 28, Carrier has solidified himself as a reliable top-four defenseman, something Barron struggled to achieve despite ample opportunity to seize the role.

Comparatives

In order to see if the Canadiens are a better team with Barron or Carrier, one simply has to look at how the two players currently compare so far this season.

A Solid Addition to the Top-Four

While perhaps not the flashiest move, the acquisition of Carrier is a practical one. He brings much-needed experience, slots comfortably into the second pairing and, already averaging over 20 minutes per game, can log valuable minutes on the penalty kill—areas where Barron was inconsistent. With two years remaining on his contract at a reasonable $3.75M cap hit, Carrier provides stability on the right side while younger prospects like Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher continue to develop.

Looking ahead, the trade could have further implications. If the Canadiens move pending UFA David Savard ahead of the trade deadline, Montreal could once again find itself thin on right-shot defense. Carrier, at least for now, serves as an important placeholder and a steadying presence for a young defensive core.

This is amazingly satisfying to read. Jean-Philippe Glaude, scout for the Nashville Predator, had this to say about the #Habs’ new acquisition, Alexandre Carrier. He feels like he will be loved in Montreal. #GoHabsGo #Preds #Smashville

— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2024-12-19T22:13:21.109Z

What About the Left Side?

The trade raises questions about playing time among Montreal’s left-handed defensemen. Previously, sitting Barron was an easy decision, but with Carrier in the mix, someone else will have to make way. Does Jayden Struble lose ice time? Would Arber Xhekaj, who has been phenomenal of late, find himself sidelined?

The Canadiens have undoubtedly improved their defense corps with Carrier’s addition, but the move also sets the stage for further decisions—and potential dominoes to fall—as the season progresses.