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Justin Barron on first pair: Roman Josi can’t be happy

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 10:17 PM ET

It could be a long winter in the country capital, at least for hockey fans. After a disappointing season last year, in which the Nashville Predators finished 30th in the NHL, the team has been rather quiet during the festival season, so barring a major turnaround, the Preds are likely to remain in the bottom third of the standings.

Need proof of Nashville’s lack of depth at certain positions?According to the Daily Faceoff line-up, Justin Barron would play right wing on Nashville’s first pair of defensemen. I believe Barron has the talent to become a regular defenseman in the Bettman circuit.

However, I don’t think he’s currently ready to play in the top 4 of a National League team. If the Predators have to play Barron on the first pair of defensemen for more than 25 minutes a game, they’re in trouble. It just goes to show that the right side of Nashville’s defensive brigade is pretty weak.

What’s more, if the former Habs player plays the team’s best pair of forwards, he’ll be paired with Roman Josi, but the Swiss defender doesn’t like Barron to take risks up front, deeming it his primary role with the team.

ROMAN JOSI, OVERTIME WINNER! WHAT A GOAL!#Preds pic.twitter.com/tdmtePhlYj-

Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) March 27, 2024

[content-ads] If the two players are to play together in the coming campaign, the younger player is going to have to learn to be more conservative in his style of play.

And if Nashville gets off to a bad start this season, we can expect to see the team throw in the towel quickly and try to get rid of some veterans.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Predators start cleaning house as early as the end of November if the club isn’t thinking of making the playoffs. And the organization has a number of quality veterans who could be of interest to other NHL teams. However, this will depend above all on the Preds’ start to the season. [spacer title=’Overtime’] – Victory circuit.