Buffalo Sabres: What should we expect from Nathan Beaulieu?

After acquiring Nathan Beaulieu from the Montreal Canadiens, what should the Buffalo Sabres expect the 2011 17th overall draft pick?

When the Buffalo Sabres acquired Nathan Beaulieu at the weekend, people understandably wondered what the motive was for a move which seemed to come out of the blue. Was the plan to expose him in the upcoming expansion draft, in the hope the Vegas Golden Knights would take him instead of one of their other assets?

That question was answered on Sunday morning, when the Sabres and the rest of the NHL released their expansion list protected players. As reported by WGRZ.com, Beaulieu was among the 11 players Buffalo protected for Wednesday’s draft.

With that initial question answered, thoughts now turn to what the Sabres should expect from the defenseman? In truth, the trade can already be considered as a positive one, especially with the price being just a third round pick in next year’s draft.

In return, Buffalo is getting a former first round draft pick, who is still only 24. Consider Beaulieu’s scouting report by The Hockey News:

"Skates very well and has great instincts from the back end. Can log huge minutes and play an all-around game. Boasts a fair amount of offensive and puck-moving ability. Is also willing to stick up for his teammates."

Even Beaulieu’s flaws are things which can be worked on – become even more physically stronger and improving his discipline. Overall, the Sabres are getting a skilled and mobile two-way player, with upside.

More from Buffalo Sabres

• Buffalo Sabres and Victor Olofsson making progress on contract extension
• Buffalo Sabres still need goaltender help despite re-signing Anderson
• Buffalo Sabres: Time to close book on the Jack Eichel chapter
• Buffalo Sabres receiving interest in members of defensive core
• Buffalo Sabres focused on youth during another disastrous season

As if that wasn’t enough, the Strathroy, Ontario native is coming off a season where he set several career highs. This included 74 games, four goals, 24 assists, 28 overall points, 19:29 average ice time and a +8 rating.

At this stage, the theoretical plan is to have Beaulieu play on the left side, as part of the Sabres’ third pairing. This would in turn give Brendan Guhle more time to develop in the minors.

Of course, while all of this sounds great, it’s important to ask why the Montreal Canadiens were willing to part company with someone they drafted 17th overall in 2011? Simply put, he had fallen out of favor.

Beaulieu started this past season as part of the Canadiens top pairing, with Shea Weber. However, this didn’t last long, and by the end of the campaign, he was a healthy scratch for Montreal’s final playoff game.

Ultimately though, this is still an excellent addition with great upside and virtually no risk. Beaulieu is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

Next: Too soon for the Sabres to give up on Reinhart

What were your initial thoughts when the Sabres acquired Beaulieu? Further, what kind of success are you predicting for him in Buffalo? Share your thoughts in the comments section.