Chicago Blackhawks: Pro comparisons for first-round draft picks
By Ryan Heckman
Nicolas Beaudin
I can see why the Blackhawks chose to go with Beaudin at no. 27 overall. A lot of his strengths are similar to that of Boqvist’s, and you can never have too much of a good thing, right? Last season with Drummondville, Beaudin finished at an impressive pace with 69 total points in 68 games played — over one point per game.
In the playoffs, he added 11 more points in 10 contests.
As a pro, Beaudin projects similarly to a 23-year-old defenseman over in Edmonton.
Pro Comparison: Darnell Nurse
Beaudin is known as one of the better passers at his position and he knows it. Also via Lazerus, Beaudin had this to say following his being selected:
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"“I’m a two-way defenseman. I can provide offense, too. I’ve got a great IQ. I think in my zone I’m just getting better and better.”"
Once again, the term “offensive defenseman” creeps into the conversation. I think we now sense a theme with the Hawks’ motives. Beaudin has a unique vision for passing lanes, enabling him to create the type of highlights sometimes referred to as “tic-tac-toe” plays.
If Beaudin pans out like either Nurse, or Jake Gardiner, whom he says he models his game after, I would like to think the Blackhawks nailed this selection as well.
Next: Pro comparisons for Bulls' draft picks
While fans may have wanted Joe Veleno, Beaudin was Mr. Consistent last year and should prove to be that kind of player in the NHL as well.