by Corey Desormeaux , Managing Editor, All Habs Hockey Magazine
OTTAWA, ON — Nathan Beaulieu became a full-time NHL player throughout the 2014-15 season and is poised to increase his role this upcoming year. Nathan has been a key player at each level of hockey he has played, working for and embracing each opportunity along the way. At just 22 years of age, the 2015-16 season could present the most important opportunity he’s faced yet.
The Strathroy, Ontario native was drafted by the Saint John Sea Dogs in the fourth round of the 2008 QMJHL draft, where he played his entire junior career. It was in his second junior season where Beaulieu began showing his mobility and desire to carry and control the puck. Nathan logged 45 points in 66 games with the Sea Dogs that season.
In his third junior campaign, Nathan’s role increased substantially and he flourished, leading all Sea Dog defencemen in points while posting a plus-44 rating. That year the Sea Dogs won the Memorial Cup, and Nathan managed 21 points in 19 playoff games.
After the Memorial Cup victory it was onto the 2011 NHL Entry Draft where Nathan Beaulieu was selected 17th overall in the first round by the Montreal Canadiens.
Here’s how Nathan was described amongst some of the online experts:
Hockey’s Future
As well as quarterback the play from the blue line, Beaulieu is a highly mobile defenseman, who carries the puck well and can make things happen on the rush. He is smart about limiting the amount of chances he takes. He is still developing physically. Beaulieu is equally adept shooting and distributing the puck.
Elite Prospects
A defenseman with fast, strong skating. Moves the puck well and is very useful as a playmaker on the powerplay. Has a strong shot and good vision. Uses his stick well defensively and can be physical, when needed.
Having selected Jarred Tinordi, a big, solid defenceman in the first round of the 2010 draft, the Canadiens were in search for more depth on the back-end with increased mobility. With Nathan available at the 17th pick, the Habs brass couldn’t refuse.
After his first training camp with the big club, Beaulieu finished his junior career with a final season for the Sea Dogs where he was nearly a point per game player with 52 points in 53 games.
For Nathan, it was time to turn pro. Beaulieu suited up for 67 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs registering 31 points, tied for first with Gabriel Dumont for the most points on the team. His strong showing as a rookie in the AHL earned him six games with the Canadiens.
Motivated by his short stint in the NHL, Beaulieu was determined to crack the Canadiens roster for the 2013-14 season but would have to wait a little while longer as Marc Bergevin continued to add depth to the defensive core. Nonetheless, Beaulieu continued to work hard, earning himself 17 NHL games that season and once again being a leader at the AHL level.
With the 2014-15 season looming, the Canadiens had limited roster spots on defence. It was up to Beaulieu to earn one. Coming into camp fully prepared, Beaulieu ultimately forced managements hand to play him over veterans like Mike Weaver and Sergei Gonchar as the season went on. Seizing his opportunity to be a full-time NHL player, Nathan played 64 games with the Canadiens, only making him available for eight games with the Bulldogs. His minutes were managed and sheltered by coach Michel Therrien, playing him primarily on the third pairing. Nathan did as the coach asked, playing hard when his name was called and doing the job he was asked to do.
Personally, I think Beaulieu has always been in the shadows of Jarred Tinordi. Fans of the Canadiens have long waited for a big, stay-at-home defenceman to play alongside a more skilled player like P.K. Subban and it has blinded them of what Beaulieu could be for the Habs. The Canadiens need a player that can immediately assist Andrei Markov in fulfilling his role on the ice and ultimately replace him when he retires.
Heading into the 2015-16 season, Nathan Beaulieu is the best option the Habs have to not only provide Markov relief from some of his duties but to play with Subban. This is no knock against Andrei Markov, who has been a staple on the Habs top-pair for what feels like eons, but we all saw what happened to Markov in the playoffs after playing such a substantial role at his age. It would benefit Markov and the team to have him on reduced minutes.
Markov has always contributed at both ends of the ice. He is a solid presence in his own zone and has elite vision. Beaulieu, at 22 years of age is capable of fulfilling Markov’s past contributions and that otherwise would leave a glaring gap in the Habs defensive corps both offensively and defensively.
A left handed shot, Beaulieu’s awareness and poise with the puck would compliment P.K. Subban nicely, just as Markov has in recent years. As well, I believe his passing ability and willingness to be aggressive could help the Habs powerplay once chemistry develops with Subban.
Beaulieu has been a solid puck-moving defenceman at each level he has played. He has seized almost every opportunity and has embraced each role given to him with one-goal in mind, becoming a focal point of the Montreal Canadiens. This year could prove to be his opportunity to do so.
What role will Beaulieu have this upcoming season?