Colorado Avalanche select Justin Barron with the 25th overall pick

sWith the 25th pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, the Colorado Avalanche selected defenseman Justin Barron from the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL.

Once seen as a potential top-5 pick, Barron had his draft season sidetracked by blood-clot issues that forced him to have two surgeries in the last six months.

Birthplace: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Date of birth: November 15, 2001
Shoots: Right
Position: Defenceman
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 198 lbs

Barron is a big defender who skates really well and has a great first pass. He likes to carry the puck through the neutral zone and is willing to lead the rush when he gets the puck on his stick. That said, scouts have some concerns when it comes to his decision making. He doesn’t show the type of instincts with the puck that you want from a high-end puck mover.

He’s got a decent shot from the point but will never be confused with an offensive defender.

On the defensive side of the puck, he is one of the best in the draft class. He is very good at denying forwards at the blue line, and he uses an active stick to stop plays in front of the net. There are few players in his class better at defending one on one against puck carriers.

Rankings

Elite Prospects: #70
Future Considerations: #38
Hockey Prospect: #46
McKeen’s Hockey: #54
McKenzie/TSN: #25
NHL Central Scouting: #16 (North American skaters)

A late birthday, Barron is further along in his development than others in the class. He is only one season away from moving to the AHL where he will look to improve on the mental side of his game before making the leap to the NHL.

A low-floor pick, Barron doesn’t project to be a top pairing defender but he could turn into a very good second pair shut down guy to play behind Cale Makar.

This is the third time in the last four years that the Avalanche have used their first round pick on a defenseman.

The Avalanche add yet another Nova Scotian as Barron joins Nathan MacKinnon, Ryan Graves, Shane Bowers and Matthew Stienburg in the organization.

As it turns out, Barron actually grew up playing with Stienburg who was a 3rd round pick for the Avalanche a year ago.