Blues Claim Justin Barron Off Waivers From Predators

The St. Louis Blues have made a move on the waiver wire, claiming defenseman Justin Barron from the Nashville Predators per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. A move to St. Louis will take Barron to the fourth team in his six-year NHL career. Losing Barron will work out to be a swap for the Predators, who claimed defenseman William Trudeau from the New York Rangers on Saturday.

Barron will fill a timely need for the Blues, who recently announced that Tyler Tucker would miss the start of the season with a knee injury. Tucker’s absence is not expected to last beyond the first week of the season.

The 24-year-old Barron could have a strong case to stick with the roster. He filled a quiet, depth role on the Predators through the last two seasons, totaling 21 points in 97 games with the club. Those marks brought Barron up to 52 points in 208 games across his NHL career. He has also averaged 91 hits and 97 shot blocks per 82 games throughout his career. Those marks are slightly more productive than either Rosen or Tucker, though the trio will only compete for seventh-defender role.

Tucker pushed into a full-time role last season. He recorded 17 points, 81 penalty minutes, and 100 hits in 69 games – while standing as the Blues’ top enforcer. Tucker has left some to be desired away from his physical presence over four years in the NHL and the Blues may be able to lean on new addition winger Ross Johnston as their main bruiser this season.

More than a competition for the extra role, St. Louis’ claim of Barron could be an indicator of negative news to come for defender Logan Mailloux, who left Saturday’s preseason game against the Chicago Blackhawks with an injury. Mailloux also pushed into a full-time role last year, recording 13 points and 93 hits in 67 games. He was an impactful option throughout St. Louis’ season despite quiet results and could earn a role above Brandon Carlo on St. Louis’ right-side. Both Tucker and Barron could work into routine minutes should Mailloux need to miss action.

In a subtle support of the blue line depth, and likely a support for Tucker’s anticipated absence, St. Louis has also recalled Adam Jiricek from the AHL per Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic. Jiricek has yet to make his NHL debut.