In Game 1 of the Buffalo rookie tournament, Canadian defenseman Justin Barron had a C on his jersey. It’s a big show of respect from the organization who have insisted he be part of the deal with the Avalanche for Artturi Lehkonen’s services. He was also named captain of his junior team with the Mooseheads two years ago and his leadership has always been recognized even though he is only twenty years old. But should we be surprised?

It must be said that Barron has a unique opportunity to rub shoulders and skate with two of the NHL’s best players in Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon this summer. Two players who serve as an inspiration for Justin Barron, even if they play in a different position than his. “They should see the pace they set in practice. They don’t take exercise lightly and never skip a workout. They are true professionals and that is contagious.”

These are fine words from Barron saying he’s privileged to rub shoulders with these players he idolized when he was younger, he growing up in Halifax and them across the water, as he puts it so well, in Cole Haven.

heard words

After the trade sent Artturi Lehkonen to Denver, it was revealed that Sidney Crosby had told some teammates that he was very fond of Justin Barron and would not have made such a trade. Today it’s easy to say that Lehkonen did a great deal to help the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, but the Canadiens now have a young defenseman on their roster who shows promise.

Barron heard Sidney Crosby’s words warm his heart. “I have a couple of friends who sent me Sidney’s words. It’s really awesome. It’s something special to hear about you, even from a guy like him. i learn so much from him. He’s just an incredible player and person. I can even tell you that he is constantly helping me to improve.”

reviews

• Emil Heineman has to find a place with the Canadians if he wants to stay in America, otherwise he will have to return to Sweden. Despite being drafted two years ago, he didn’t sign his entry-level NHL contract until after he joined the Canadiens. Not a first-round pick, if he can’t play in the NHL, he won’t be able to play in Laval (AHL) this year. According to the agreements with the international federations, if a European player does not play in the NHL, he must return to the formation that holds his rights. This rule only applies in the first year of a player’s entry contract.
• Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar are exempt from this rule because they were drafted in the first round.
• The players who didn’t take part on Friday, Juraj Slafkovsky, Jan Mysak, Justin Barron and Arber Xhekaj, will play on Sunday. Players who are more likely to be invited to training camp next week will play two of the three rookie tournament games. At least that’s the plan. Kaiden Guhle will play his first game of the tournament on Sunday and will also be invited to the training camp.
• Owen Beck had another excellent meeting. He has very few mistakes in his game, he also wins the vast majority of his faceoffs and continues to accumulate points.
• Buffalo has been preparing for Monday night’s NFL game for several days, when the Titans will be the visitors. The kids only go to school in the mornings on Monday and have to return home afterwards so the parents can go to Bills Stadium and enjoy the tailgates.