Nicolas Beaudin

July 2024 – While I believed Nicolas Beaudin was NHL bound, he has opted to continue his career in Europe where he can be guaranteed consistent top-four minutes. Aaron Itovitch

August 2023 – I’ve been lucky enough to watch Beaudin live several times since taking over the Canadiens page here at Dobber. In every sample, he has been the best defenseman for Laval, and plays big minutes for the team. His role will likely stay the same this coming season, and he’ll see a lot of his playtime shift to the right. If he can adapt quickly, he could become a good NHL sixth defenseman for the Canadiens, but if he can only work on the left side of the ice, the internal competition is much tougher. Aaron Itovitch

December 2022 – Once regarded as an A-level prospect, Beaudin was traded to the Canadiens in a minor trade for fellow underperforming prospect Cam Hillis. Beaudin is an intelligent undersized defender with subpar skating but great passing and playmaking skill and the necessary deception to serve as an effective puck-carrier despite his skating deficiencies. While the Rocket have been very disappointing to start the season, Beaudin has finally come into his own, putting up 11 points through 13 appearances. The upside many thought were there with him will likely never be hit, but his chances of seeing extended NHL minutes look a whole lot better now than they have in a few years. Sebastian High

October 2020 – Beaudin is waiting for camp to open in what will be a big year for him development wise. Having seen NHL action in the last season, anything less will seem like a disappointment but may be best for his overall development. Either way, full time NHL employment may be just around the corner for the 2018 first round pick. Tony Carr

March 2020 – Beaudin made his NHL debut and looked good in limited minutes. There is going to be a massive change coming to the Blackhawks squad in the next couple of years, especially on defence. Beaudin has put himself right in the middle of it. Depending on how things shake out during the extended off-season, expect Beaudin to start next season in the AHL but should be on the short list of call ups when injuries hit. Tony Carr

February 2019 – Beaudin has continued to produce points at an elite level since being left off of Team Canada’s roster from the 2019 WJH. With his Drummondville Voltigeurs currently sitting second overall in the QMJHL, Beaudin is hoping for a long playoff run and a possible shot at playing for the Memorial Cup held in Halifax. Tony Carr

December 2018 – Beaudin is one of the 12 defensemen named to Team Canada’s preliminary roster for the upcoming world junior hockey championships. The first-round-pick from the 2018 draft is having another outstanding season in the QMJHL, on pace to set career highs in all offensive categories, all while improving his work in the defensive end dramatically. Tony Carr