Dec 5, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Nashville Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier (45) plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Predators Trade Alexandre Carrier to Canadiens for Justin Barron

Montreal Canadiens acquire defenseman Alexandre Carrier in exchange for Justin Barron in a trade with the Nashville Predators.

On Wednesday, just before the NHL’s holiday roster freeze, the Montreal Canadiens acquired defenseman Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators in exchange for fellow blueliner Justin Barron.

Carrier has recorded seven points and a minus-14 rating across 28 games this season for the struggling Predators. He’s logged an average of 20:08 per game, marking an increase from his previous seasons and ranking third among Nashville’s skaters. Carrier is a key penalty hitter who spends 2:44 per game, the second-highest for the Predators, and has mostly paired with Jeremy Lauzon this season.

The Canadiens have acquired defenseman Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Justin Barron.

News release ↓ #GoHabsGo https://t.co/eQ8yMQDwUp
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 19, 2024

Also Read: Rangers Trade Kaapo Kakko to Kraken for Will Borgen and Draft Picks

Known for his defensive reliability, Carrier also showcased offensive potential during the 2021-22 season, tallying 30 points in a standout campaign. Carrier signed a three-year, $11.25 million deal with the Predators in July after being the subject of trade rumors last season. He has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since December 7 and is listed as “week-to-week.”

Justin Barron heads to Nashville after managing one goal and a minus-4 rating in 17 games for the Canadiens this season. He’s averaged 14:43 of ice time, a slight dip compared to last year, but remains a gritty player who blocks shots and competes with physicality.

Barron is a versatile defenseman, capable of playing both left and right sides. He has two years left on his contract with a $1.15 million cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent. Before the season, Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis praised Barron’s skating and physical presence while emphasizing the need for more consistency in his game.

Image Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Alexandre Carrier

Justin Barron

Montreal Canadiens

Nashville Predators

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

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