This trade was announced just before the NHL's holiday roster freeze, which began on December 19 and lasts until December 27, 2024.

Carrier, a 28-year-old from Quebec City, had re-signed with the Predators for three years at $11.25 million in July 2024, but has faced challenges this season due to an upper-body injury.

Despite these challenges, Carrier averaged 20:08 minutes of ice time per game, ranking third among Predators skaters, and contributed significantly on the penalty kill.

In 28 games this season, Carrier recorded one goal and six assists, along with a minus-14 rating.

Over his career with Nashville, Carrier has played 245 games, tallying a total of 11 goals and 58 assists since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Draft.

On the other hand, Justin Barron, 23, has played both in the NHL and the American Hockey League this season, scoring one goal in 17 NHL games.

Barron has a career total of 13 goals and 18 assists in 111 NHL games, and this season he holds a minus-4 rating.

Barron has two years remaining on his contract with a $1.15 million cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent.

On December 18, 2024, the Nashville Predators traded defenseman Alexandre Carrier to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Justin Barron.

Since being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, Barron has split his time between the NHL and the AHL.

Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis has emphasized the need for Barron to show more consistency and engagement during games.

While Carrier is primarily known for his defensive skills, he showcased his offensive potential with 30 points during the 2021-22 season.