Justin Barron Scouting Report

(David Chan/Halifax Mooseheads)

Written By: Douglas Stewart-Good

Justin Barron 6”2 187 Ibs 

Stats: NHL draft eligible defenceman from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Justin is currently playing for the Halifax mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. So far this season, the two way defenceman has 4 goals and 13 assists for 17 points in 27 games, and has a plus minus of -10 on a very bad Moosehead team this year. 

Report: Justin is a very smooth and effortless skater. He surprises a lot of people with his speed as it doesn’t look like he's moving until he is past you. Justin has great vision and hockey sense and uses that in both ends of the rink. He is wise beyond his years, he knows when to jump up in the play and when to stay at home and play defence. He has an average shot and definitely has a pass first mentally. He is very good in his own zone, even as a 15 year old, he was trusted in big situations for Halifax, especially in their playoff run in his rookie season, in defensive and offensive situations like the PK and powerplay.

Attitude:  Justin has a pro attitude. You will never hear him complain about his ice time, and he is very coachable and willing to put the effort in everyday in order to make it in the next level. He is a leader and could be a future captain, as he may not be super talkative, but this year, unfortunately, Justin has blood clot and will be sidelined indefinitely.

Important To Consider: Before the blood clot, Justin was on pace to have his best season with the mooseheads with 42 points. His unfortunate injury will definitely hurt his draft stock, as he was considered top 10 prospect for the 2020 draft by some.

 Comparables And Projection:  I would compare Justin to a combination of Drew Doughty and Erik Karlsson. He has the physicality of Drew Doughty but the smarts of a Karlsson, he knows when to jump up in the play and when to stay back. I see him as a solid top 4 nhl defenseman in the future, and see him going late in the 1st round in this years draft. Maybe 20th pick- 31st pick, but could sip more if his injury is for a long period of time.