"I am very happy with the transaction. Nicolas Beaudin offered this simple reaction in a text message with Le Journal a few hours after the shock of a first trade in the NHL.
• Read also: A little action for Corey Schueneman, who returns to Laval
• Read also: The Canadian loses against the Wild
For the second time in a few months, the general manager of the Canadian, Kent Hughes, has found a dance partner with his counterpart in Chicago, Kyle Davidson. In a more minor pact than Kirby Dach's on draft day, Montreal once again moved with the Blackhawks by acquiring 23-year-old defenseman Beaudin.
The price to pay to obtain the Quebecois was not exorbitant. Forward Cameron Hillis, who ended up with the Trois-Rivières Lions in the ECHL, is now a member of the Hawks organization.
A need for change
On paper, the Habs have added an intriguing prospect to their roster. A former first-round pick, 27th overall, of the Blackhawks in 2018, Beaudin played 22 games on the Bettman circuit; one in 2019-20, 19 in 2020-2021 and two in 2021-2022.
Described as a defenseman with offensive potential, Beaudin has spent most of his time with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL for the past three seasons.
He has appeared in three games this season at Rockford, recording one assist.
In the most recent schedule, Beaudin had 16 points in 66 games (2 goals, 14 assists).
"He needed a change of scenery, he didn't seem to fit into the plans of the new Hawks management," admitted a Western Conference scout. He watched games from the stands last year in the American League. »
The Blackhawks, despite finding themselves in a rebuilding phase, called him up in January to play a game in which he spent just 1:11 on the ice. In his last NHL outing on Jan. 6 against the Arizona Coyotes, Beaudin had skated on the ice for just two appearances.
"He found it difficult mentally, it was like a sledgehammer he received in that game," said André Ruel, one of Beaudin's agents. At the end of the 2020-2021 season, Nicolas had played for Canada at the World Championship. He imagined himself with the Hawks the following season, but the plan did not go as he hoped. »
Patience
The former Drummondville Voltigeurs, in the QMJHL, will now have the mission of putting his career back on track with the Laval Rocket.
Head coach Jean-François Houle will focus on another fullback with great potential. With Justin Barron, Corey Schueneman, Otto Leskinen, Mattias Norlinder and Madison Bowey, the Rocket will have no shortage of ammo on the blue line.
"It's a fresh start for Nic," Ruel noted. He will remain patient, he will want to make his place with the Rocket and earn the trust of the organization. Even if he goes to the American League, he will want to prove that he can play, that he can get an important role. He has no expectations to play in the NHL this year, he just wants to get back on track. »
