Elliotte Friedman Drops a Bombshell on Justin Barron and the Philadelphia Flyers

We remember that two years ago, the Canadiens notably received the young Barron in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche involving Artturi Lehkonen.

Well, on this subject, Friedman has just taught us something good.

Justin Barron really almost ended up with the Philadelphia Flyers. It was him who was offered to them by Joe Sakic at the time.

We remember that the Avalanche was on the verge of acquiring Giroux in 2022. At one point, it even seemed practically settled.

Barron would thus have become a Flyer. (and would never have been a Canadiens player).

Giroux was eventually traded at the last second to the Florida Panthers, with German Rubstov, Connor Bunnaman, and a fifth-round pick in 2024 for Owen Tippett, a third-round pick in 2023, and a conditional first-round pick in 2024.

Barron became a Habs player two days later.

And if Claude Giroux had been traded to the Avalanche, would Artturi Lehkonen still be with the Montreal Canadiens today?

It's fascinating in any case, and it reminds us how much negotiations involving other teams can also have a major impact on the Montreal Canadiens.