A
defenceman, Barrett was selected in the
1978 NHL entry draft by the
Detroit Red Wings with whom he spent most of his NHL career. His older brother
Fred was also an NHL defenceman. Both of their careers were cut short by injuries. Following repeated kneecap breaks, John retired after 488 NHL games, recording 20 goals, 77 assists, (97 points), and 604 penalty minutes. As a youth, he played in the 1970
Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a
minor ice hockey team from
Gloucester, Ontario. ==Career statistics==