Nashville Predators Extend Defenseman Justin Barron Qualifying Offer

The Nashville Predators extended a qualifying offer to defenseman Justin Barron on Tuesday.

Barron became a restricted free agent after his two-year, $2.3 million contract expired.

What happened?

The 24-year-old defenseman recorded nine assists in 52 games this past season.

He had 17 penalty minutes and missed 16 games with a lower-body injury in November.

Why it matters for Nashville Predators

Barron's extension is significant as the team looks to retain key players ahead of free agency.

The Predators are currently 10th in the Western Conference with a 38-34 record, on a L2 streak.

Forward Chase Bradley was also extended a qualifying offer.

What comes next?

The free agency market opens on July 1, and the Predators will likely see center Erik Haula and forward Tyson Jost enter as unrestricted free agents.

Neither Haula nor Jost were extended qualifying offers.

The Predators acquired Jack Drury in a trade that sent Zachary L'Heureux and Fedor Svechkov to the Colorado Avalanche.

Drury signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract with Nashville.

Barron has not played in the AHL since the 2023-24 season.

He was traded to Nashville from the Montreal Canadiens for Alexandre Carrier.

The Predators will look to build on their current record with the retention of key players like Barron