Mark Barberio was considered an interesting insurance policy when the Montreal Canadiens signed him in the off-season. The restricted free agent defenceman was brought into the organization after the Tampa Bay Lightning decided not to present the qualifying offer necessary to maintain his services.
At the conclusion of this summer's training camp he was submitted to waivers, cleared, and was assigned to the St. John's IceCaps, in favour of Jarred Tinordi and Greg Pateryn.
On December 27th, Tom Gilbert was placed on the Injured Reserve list, and Barberio was recalled from the AHL.