Justin Barron was happy to have secured a spot with the Montreal Canadiens at the end of camp, and the message from coaches and management was clear, even if he would begin the season as a backup defenseman: “Be ready.”

In less than a week, Barron moved from the press box to the Habs’ first pair of defensemen. Meanwhile, Kaiden Guhle and David Savard took over management of the infirmary.

On Tuesday, Barron went 21-22 in a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils. Only his partner Mike Matheson (26:37) spent more time on the ice in the Canadian camp than he did.

“We saw good things from “JB” (Barron),” said head coach Martin St-Louis after the game. We will take things as they come. We take care of this. »

Barron claims to have been happy with his play during Canadiens camp, although many observers were disappointed not to see the same Barron as they did in the winter of 2023. The Colorado Avalanche’s first pick in 2020 then played confidently with the Habs at the end of the season, collecting 15 points in 39 games. He then helped Canada win gold at the World Championships.

However, Barron’s weaknesses in his territory were exposed a few times during camp. He also seemed to be off the mark on offense.

Despite everything, the team decided to keep him at the big club at the beginning of the season, preferring him in particular to Gustav Lindström, even if Barron did not have to clear waivers to be sent back to his school club, and Lindström, yes.

After watching the first three games of the season from the sidelines, Barron was inserted into the lineup Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks. He then scored against the Buffalo Sabers on Monday and again against the Devils on Tuesday.

“It’s crazy how quickly things can change, especially with injuries,” Barron admitted. That’s why you have to stay ready to play. »

“I see this as a great opportunity that we should take advantage of,” he added. Matheson is an easy player to play with. I would like to find myself in a role with more responsibility and more playing time and be able to help the team in more situations. »

Barron could be used more often, especially on the numerical penalty, even though he is best known for his offensive instincts.

The 21-year-old Nova Scotian recalled being understaffed “at every level” before the NHL. Last winter, he played a total of just over 20 minutes in 39 games with one man less.

After not playing in this situation in his first two games this season, Barron was shorthanded 3:12 on Tuesday.

He was on the ice when Tyler Toffoli scored a power play goal for the Devils midway through the third period. The same thing happened when Alexander Holtz found the net one second after the end of a penalty against the Habs in the first period.

Barron is aware that he is still viewed as an unreliable defender in his zone, but he is working to change that perception.

“I came into camp with the intention of being a tougher defender, better to play against, better on defense,” he said. I felt good during camp and was waiting for my chance. I’m pretty confident with my game at the moment. »

This comes at the right time as Barron should be used frequently by defense coach Stéphane Robidas in the coming games. Barron must now translate that confidence into strong performances night after night to show he has reached a new level in his development and can continue to take on more important roles even as injured players return to action.

To watch in the video