The Montreal Canadiens made a pair of moves on Monday afternoon, sending defender Justin Barron to the Laval Rocket and placing Mitchell Stephens on waivers.
The 22-year-old Barron has been in the NHL all season. He has played 41 games with six goals and six assists. He will now work on things with the Rocket in the American Hockey League and it is possible that someone may be called up in his place, very possibly Arber Xhekaj.
Stephens, 26, has played 23 NHL games with the Canadiens since being recalled and has two goals and one assist. He has three goals and nine assists in 16 games with the Rocket this season. If he clears waivers, he will be assigned to the Rocket and be one of their top centres.
Stephens on waivers indicates that Tanner Pearson may be nearing a return.
The Canadiens next game is Tuesday night against the Ottawa Senators.
