WINNIPEG — Winnipeg Jets assistant coach Marty Johnston, who previously coached Morgan Barron with the AHL`s Manitoba Moose, predicted Barron`s current level of play.
Back in late March 2022, shortly after Winnipeg acquired Barron in the Andrew Copp trade, Barron demonstrated his potential in a two-game series against the Laval Rocket. He scored a goal, assisted on another, and fired nine shots on net, showcasing his dominance across the ice.
“This is encouraging for Winnipeg Jets fans,” Johnston commented at the time, recognizing Barron`s significant potential.
Now, three years later, Barron is realizing that potential, emerging as a top-tier bottom-six center for the Jets.
While Barron has been steadily developing into a reliable bottom-six winger and penalty killer over the past two seasons, his shift to fourth-line center following the trade deadline has unleashed a new level of performance.
“I feel like I’m currently playing my best hockey of the season,” Barron stated after Winnipeg`s 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues, where he scored the opening goal.
In his 15 games as a center, Barron has tallied two goals and six points. During five-on-five play, the Jets have significantly outshot opponents in high-danger scoring chances with Barron on the ice (35-21).
Jets coach Scott Arniel noted with a smile, “He`s always maintained he`s a natural center. Most players probably feel that way from their junior or college days.”
Despite Arniel`s lighthearted remark, Barron`s transition to center has been remarkably smooth.
He perfectly embodies the modern bottom-six center, excelling at faceoffs (52.2% win rate), forechecking, and maintaining puck possession in the offensive zone. These hardworking attributes are complemented by his exceptional speed.
“You need players like him driving through the middle,” Jets forward Kyle Connor emphasized.
Barron’s goal against the Blues exemplified his skillset: he outpaced Blues forward Mathieu Joseph, cut inside, and lifted the puck past goalie Joel Hofer, giving Winnipeg an early 1-0 lead in the second period.
Arniel praised the play, saying, “I like that he drove to the net instead of retreating behind it. He used his leg to get inside.”
According to AllThreeZones.com data, Barron is in the 97th percentile for Zone Entries per 60 minutes (25.73) among forwards with at least 100 minutes played this season.
Earlier this season, Rasmus Kupari`s speed provided a boost to the fourth line. However, Barron offers a more direct, north-south style of play compared to Kupari. He quickly attacks the inside and effectively uses his size and stick skills to extend plays along the boards once in the zone.
Despite limited playoff experience with only five games, and perhaps best known for the scar from a skate incident in 2023, Barron appears ready to be a significant contributor as the intensity of playoff hockey escalates.
Tristan Blackwood