Top Canadiens defense prospect placed on waivers? It seems very likely

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Aaron
July 21, 2024 (1:39)

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Even though Kent Hughes' trade of Johnathan Kovacevic has freed up a spot on the Canadiens' defense, the battle is still on.

The fight for a position will be intense at the next training camp.

Excluding Mike Matheson, Kaiden Guhle, and David Savard, who are all assured of a spot, there are only four places left in the lineup. The young defensemen in the organization will therefore have to compete for one of these spots. Here's who will be in the battle:

Lane Hutson
Logan Mailloux
Justin Barron
Jayden Struble
Jordan Harris
Adam Engström
Arber Xhekaj
David Reinbacher

As Marc-Olivier Cook from the site DLC reminds us, Lane Hutson should have his spot on the left side. We can also think that Arber Xhekaj, Jordan Harris, and Jayden Struble will compete for the last spot on that side.

On the right side, the competition will be between Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, and Justin Barron.

A sad turn following the trade between Montreal and Colorado for Artturi Lehkonen? Justin Barron at risk of being placed on waivers

According to Tony Marinaro and Grant McCagg, the one most at risk here is undoubtedly Barron, especially if the other two have a good camp.

The only point in Barron's favor is his contract status. He must now go through waivers if he is cut, and it would be surprising if Kent Hughes is open to losing him for free. After all, he was one of his first acquisitions!

Even though his last season was difficult, Barron is only 22 years old. There is still hope that he can progress and become the defenseman expected. He also had some good moments with the Laval Rocket last season, enough to give hope.

For this reason, it would be surprising if he goes through the waiver process without being claimed. It seems that Logan Mailloux's place in the Canadiens' lineup depends on Justin Barron and his contract.

However, if Mailloux has an outstanding camp, Justin Barron could indeed be placed on NHL waivers, which would obviously give a very regrettable turn to the trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche, the one involving Artturi Lehkonen.

Credit: DansLesCoulisses
Si Mailloux et Reinbacher performent au camp, ça va sentir mauvais pour Barron