Revisiting The Alexandre Carrier Trade Between The Canadiens & The Predators – Hockey Writers – NHL Trade Analysis

Alexandre Carrier was traded from the Nashville Predators to the Montreal Canadiens by Justin Barron over a year ago. Carrier, known for his defensive reliability, came to Montreal in a direct trade for Barron, a young defenseman with potential upside. As the dust settles and both players continue to grow into their roles with their new teams, it’s time to take a look at the deal and assess how each player has fared. How did this trade affect both the Canadiens and the Predators? Are there early signs that one side is getting the better end of the deal?

Barron vs. Carrier

At the time of the trade, the Predators were understaffed and looking to get smaller. The 28-year-old Carrier has been struggling, with a minus-14 average in 28 games, the team is looking down. After spending a lot of money in free agency, general manager Barry Trotz was not happy and decided to add a young player to the aging blue line that was managed by Roman Josi (34), Brady Skjei (31), Carrier and Luke Schenn (35).

In Montreal, Barron, who got in the trade of Arturri Lehkonen to the Colorado Avalanche, did not lose his strength. It was clear that this organization prefers Jayden Struble and Arber Xhekaj to him as he was in and out of the list. With a strong prospect pool on defense, Barron had no future with the Canadiens. General manager Kent Hughes took the opportunity to add a veteran defensive tackle to a young group of blueliners.

Carrier and the Barron effect

Carrier has been solid since arriving in Montreal, solidifying the front four and bringing a much-needed veteran presence back. In 124 games, the Quebec native has 40 points and a plus-6 average. The netminder averaged 19:48 of ice time, and has enabled the team to balance their defensive pairings effectively while also adding physicality and experience to a young group.

Similarly, Barron got a role in Nashville. He hasn’t been as strong as Carrier in Montreal, but the 24-year-old has recorded 21 points in 97 games and is minus-15 with the Predators.

Canadiens vs. Predators Success

Since the trade was completed on Dec. 18, 2024, the Canadiens have won 75, lost 39 in regulation and 18 in overtime — a record that propelled them to the second wild-card spot in the Conference in 2024-25 and third place in the Atlantic Division in 2025-26. Montreal started the season with 12 wins in 31 games before the trade.

Nashville was the worst team in the NHL before acquiring Barron, but they finished with a 21-27-1 record. The following season, the Predators improved to a 38-34-10 record. Barron has found his role on the team and will be a restricted free agent this offseason.

Overall, the trade represents a shift in priorities for both franchises. Montreal was looking to bolster its defensive unit with a veteran player, while Nashville is betting on Barron’s development as a top-four linebacker. How each player continues to adjust to their new team and system will determine which team wins this trade, but for now, both teams appear to have found pieces that fit their rebuilds and strategies going forward.