I’m happy for Barron, this looks more like the kid they acquired from Colorado these last couple of games. He’s been much more aggressive, skating well, throwing the body, making good reads and scored a beautiful goal tonight. I’ll always give credit when it’s deserved to a player. If he keeps it up, he will have taken the next step and will have a place in the top 4 by the end of the season.
The only issue I have is that now that he’s had two really good games in a row, you guys have to turn on Xhekaj? Makes no sense. This is what Barron was drafted to be when he went in the first round. Xhekaj was never drafted in juniors or the NHL. He’s not supposed to be at Barron’s level, they are apples and oranges. Ideally we have both and use both to their respective strengths. They’re both very young defenders finding their way.