Nashville Predators Trade Alexandre Carrier to Montreal Canadiens for Justin Barron

The move signals a shift in Nashville's strategy as the team looks to rebuild with younger, cost-effective players after a disappointing season start.

The Predators exchanged 28-year-old defenseman Alexandre Carrier for 23-year-old Justin Barron, acquiring a younger, cost-controlled player with potential upside.
The trade saves Nashville $2.6 million in salary cap space over the next two seasons, reflecting the team's focus on financial flexibility and future planning.
Barry Trotz, the Predators' general manager, acknowledged the team's struggles this season and emphasized the need to align with a rebuilding strategy focused on youth and speed.
Carrier, a key penalty killer and reliable defenseman for Nashville since 2017, had one goal and six assists in 28 games this season before being sidelined with an upper-body injury.
Barron, a former first-round pick, brings skating ability and physicality to Nashville, though his performance in Montreal has been inconsistent, with one goal in 17 games this season.