The evolution of Justin Barron; what lies ahead after his NHL debut

Over the last three years, milestone moments in Justin Barron’s career have deviated from the traditional path alongside the changing landscape in a world trying to navigate a global pandemic.

The 2019-2020 QMJHL season was suspended and ultimately canceled before its finish.

The next season was understandably also impacted by COVID-19, and the Memorial Cup was canceled for the second season in a row.

Having played for the Halifax Mooseheads, these interrupted seasons were two of Barron’s last years in juniors.

In his final season, Barron led his hometown team as captain recording 31 points in 33 games to lead all Halifax defensemen in points and finishing as a finalist for the Kevin Lowe Trophy awarded to the best defensive-defenseman.

He was drafted 25th overall to the Colorado Avalanche in the 2020 draft during a virtual event that each of us experienced from behind our screens – Barron included.

Following the draft, it was around this time last year that Barron competed for Team Canada in the World Junior Championship. 

“Representing your country is so special, playing on such a big stage. Obviously, there were no fans, but everyone was watching on TV and that kind of thing. So, that was really special,” Barron said.

“[And,] just playing under pressure. We had such a great team – obviously the outcome wasn’t what we wanted – but, it was an incredible experience.”

Team Canada won silver and Barron finished a +5 with two points.

Later that year, Barron reported to the Colorado Eagles and his impact was immediately felt – registering 4 points in 7 games – 3 of which came in just 2 playoff games.

He returned to Colorado this September for the rookie showcase and training camp. Barron received some good looks in each but was ultimately assigned to the Eagles on October 11th just shy of the opening night for the Avalanche.

“They were pretty happy with my camp. I was pretty happy with my camp,” Barron revealed.

“They just said, ‘Come work here [with the Eagles],’ and the coaching staff here has been great, the players have been great.”

“They told me to come here and work on my defensive game and try to take that next step and hopefully get to the NHL at some point this year or next year.”

The impact of COVID-19 persists in the trajectory of Barron’s path to the NHL.

Just a day after being named the NHL’s third star of the week, Devon Toews entered COVID-19 protocols. Barron’s opportunity to see NHL minutes came sooner than anyone expected.

Before receiving the call-up, Barron – unaware that his NHL debut was just days away from happening – was asked if there were any players he admired, and he readily answered.

“I’ve started to watch Devon Toews a lot with the Avs [ever] since I was drafted and he got traded there,” he started. “He’s an unbelievable player. He’s so steady in the defensive zone and he can contribute offensively too. I just love how well-rounded his game is.”

Last night, Justin Barron played his first NHL game in Devon Toews’ absence.

After returning to the Eagles lineup in November following an injury, Barron has heated up offensively. With nine points this season, six have come about in just the last five games – two of which being game-winning goals. 

Much like the influence he had in his final games last season, Barron’s impact is an undeniable asset to the Colorado Eagles now.

Barron emphasized the importance of being a complete player on both ends of the ice.

“I’d like to think I’m a two-way defenseman – my skating ability allows me to get up the ice to play in the offensive zone and the defensive zone. It’s kind of what I pride myself on,” he admitted.

Eagles head coach, Greg Cronin, talked about the difficult transformation that lies ahead for a player like Barron. 

“He’s a good defender. He’s one of those guys that’s reliable defensively and he can participate in the offense, and that usually comes from his decisions with the puck,” he said.

“Him and [Bowen] Byram were on World Juniors together and Timmy [Conor Timmins] before that – they’re all offensively gifted at the blueline. He’s learning that. That’s the next evolution.” 

This type of development is realized in Cronin’s decision to utilize Barron on both the penalty kill and second powerplay unit. His vision for special teams gives Barron important opportunities to become a player that can be deployed in many scenarios.

“That’s his growth, on the powerplay, is that offensive blueline, being able to move across and battling to make plays,” Cronin explained.

“And [on the penalty kill] it’s just to make good defensive reads, blocking shots, and blocking sticks in front of the net.”

When asked if he imagined a role within a future Avalanche d-corps, Barron could easily envision the possibilities.

“Where I play that two-way game, potentially there’s room for myself where I think that I could slide in there,” he said.

“Whether it’s on the second or third pairing, whether it’s PK or PP – I think going back to my two-way game allows me to fit into different situations.”

Because of this, Barron is grateful for the valuable time he’s getting with special teams.

“[Special teams are] something I’ve always prided myself on and part of my game. I hope to continue that at the next level. I’m pretty happy they’re giving me the opportunity to play both situations. I’m just trying to continue to improve on those.”

Justin Barron saw his first NHL game last night, and it will not be his last. He’s determined to continue improving so that he is prepared when a regular lineup spot becomes available.

As he grows more comfortable, Barron can become better conditioned to the pace of AHL and NHL play.

“Coming from juniors everything is a lot faster here – the guys are bigger, stronger, and more talented,” he said.

“So, just continuing to well-round my game defensively and become harder to play against in the d-zone,” Barron explained of the steps ahead of him.

At 6’2”, 195 lbs. and just 20 years old, Barron certainly can be hard to play against. This was evident in Val Nichushkin’s first goal last night.

Almost earning his first NHL point, Barron’s ability to remain strong on his skates allowed him to calmly pass the puck in the offensive zone in what could have been a losing board battle.

Cronin does note Barron’s physicality as an area with room for improvement to take things to the next level – the tools are all there.

“He’s gotta’ be more physical and then he’s gotta’ continue to build some offense into his game because he’s a good skater and he’s a smart player,” Cronin said.

One standout in Barron’s game has been his skating abilities. With powerful crossunders on the backward stride and the speed of a much smaller player, Barron’s mobility could be his secret weapon.

The future for this budding defenseman in Colorado remains bright. Even though there are allusions to uncertain events due to the pandemic, make no illusions that Barron’s career is not of his own creation.

Another product of uncertain times is the strengthened ability to pivot and adapt. With Devon Toews in COVID protocols until after Christmas, Barron has an extended chance to adjust to NHL pacing over the next couple of weeks.

Something of a real opportunity has found its way to him in a way none of us saw coming.

Beyond that, Barron is enjoying his time in Colorado and embracing all it has to offer.

“The weather’s been really nice. We get a lot more sun here than back home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We get a lot of rain there. The mountains are really nice, and the golf courses – I’ve played a couple here and they’ve been nice too.”

The journey ahead for Barron is ripe with chances to evolve into a player that fits the Colorado Avalanche’s mold nicely.

In due time, the hope is that he will have fewer chances to explore the golf courses of Colorado with playoff hockey to contend with in its place.

EAGLES NOTES:

• Shane Bowers is expected to play Wednesday against San Jose. He’s only played one game this season (last played October 27th), missing time with an undisclosed upper-body injury.
• Mikhail Maltsev missed Saturday’s (12/11) game to rest ahead of a call-up opportunity with the Avs.
• Beaucage, Sikura, and Smith missed the last series (illness).