Updates from practice - April 6

BROSSARD -- The Canadiens practiced at the Bell Sports Complex on Wednesday before departing for New Jersey.

Justin Barron, Paul Byron and Nick Suzuki were given therapy days and didn't skate.
Barron and Byron didn't accompany the team on the road trip.
During his post-practice press conference, interim head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed that Carey Price would make the trip, which also includes a stop in Toronto.
Price has yet to play this season as he continues to recover from offseason knee surgery.

Barron: Reflecting on a meaningful snipe
Barron's first NHL goal on Tuesday night really was a beauty.
The 20-year-old blueliner showcased incredible patience and poise before beating Senators goaltender Anton Forsberg with a shot through traffic in the second period.

"You always hope it's going to be a nice goal, that it's not going to be one that deflects in off you or something like that," said Barron, who needed just seven NHL games to accomplish the feat. "I was pretty happy with the way I scored it. It was definitely really exciting."
How fired up was Barron after lighting the lamp?
"It was kind of a blackout. Originally, I wasn't sure if Jake [Evans] tipped it in front of the net, so I was kind of looking over my shoulder. I couldn't tell," revealed the Halifax, NS native. "But, it was just kind of a blackout and lots of excitement."

When public address announcer Michel Lacroix announced Barron as the goal-scorer, he was given a tremendous applause by the 20,566 fans in attendance.
It was a remarkable moment for the youngster.
"It was surreal. It was pretty cool, obviously, getting my first goal. It was a dream come true, and then to hear that cheer from the crowd after it, too," said Barron. "That was something I'll remember for the rest of my life."
Richardson: Praising the kids
Assistant coach Luke Richardson is relishing the opportunity to work with several young defensemen right now, including Barron, Jordan Harris and Alexander Romanov.
Richardson, who rejoined the team earlier this week after battling COVID, shared his thoughts on their respective games.
"I haven't seen Harris play since the World Juniors on TV and development camp here a few years ago. He's matured, he's an effortless skater, and I think that's a huge thing in our league, especially the way Marty wants our team to play," shared the former rearguard, who played 1,417 NHL games before hanging up his skates. "Barron, I didn't really know anything about him. He's a great surprise. He has a lot of poise with the puck. We saw he could really shoot the puck, and that's why he had an opportunity on the power play as well. He has good instincts where he knows when he can step in or stay up, and that's hard to do and have the confidence to do, especially at this level. It was really nice to see and hopefully it'll continue."

Richardson couldn't be happier with Romanov's progress.
The 22-year-old Russian currently leads the Canadiens with 204 hits and 121 blocked shots.
"He's been really doing well. He's a great kid, he wants to learn, and he's the first guy on the ice every day. I try to get out there early to work with him, but he always beats me out there," cracked Richardson. "He's got a smile on his face, and he loves to play physical, which is great, because there's not a lot of that in the game anymore. But, he can still skate and make subtle little plays. He can shoot the puck, so he's got all the attributes to keep moving up the ladder and be a solid defenseman."

Edmundson, Savard are key pieces
Joel Edmundson and David Savard are the backbone of the Habs' defense corps, and Richardson's a huge fan of both of them.
He shared some insight on Edmundson, in particular, that definitely deserves some attention.
"I was blown away that Carolina let him go and we had a chance to get him and lock him up. I was really excited for him to come in here. He fit the mold of our team and the way we played last year, the big four D and Carey back there. He kind of really solidified things and gave us a chance to do what we did. But, he's a great guy. He has fun with the young guys, but he also is so professional," shared Richardson. "When he came on the ice, just for a few practices when he was hurt this year, he snaps that puck around, he's got a presence out there, he's yelling and talking to guys, and pushing young guys. That's a true professional. Especially in professional sports, to have that veteran leadership when we had a lot of guys down with either COVID or injuries, it was huge to just even have him out there for a few practices. We all noticed. I remember talking to [assistant coach] Trevor Letowski, and he goes, "Wow, what a difference just one guy in one practice makes." That's what he means to this team."

Richardson was equally complimentary of Savard.
"I've always been impressed with his game when he was in Columbus, and especially last year in Tampa. Just his ability, he might not be the quickest on his feet or the fastest skater, but he's so deceptive with his little head and shoulder fake, and he's got the little curl and drag at the blue line. He fools people not just once, but continually," added Richardson. "It's a good nickname, Savy, because he's a little savvy out there. We enjoy having him. He's a character on the bench and in the dressing room."