Buffalo Sabres: Nathan Beaulieu asks to be traded

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu has reportedly asked to be moved before the Feb. 25 NHL trade deadline.

When the Buffalo Sabres first traded for Nathan Beaulieu in June 2017, it was seen as a positive move. Scouting reports indicated they were getting a player who was talented and mobile, with excellent instincts and decent upside.

Beaulieu was also coming off a season where he had set several career highs with the Montreal Canadiens, including goals, assists, overall points, plus/minus rating and hits. And the Swords only had to give up a third round draft pick in exchange.

How times change. As per Brian La Rose of Pro Hockey Rumors, the 26-year-old has asked to be traded due to a lack of playing time.

As of Thursday, Beaulieu had only played in 26 of a possible 47 games. His contract situation also played a part in the request, with this being the final year of his current deal.

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

You can certainly understand the Strathroy, Ontario native’s position. He needs to be playing as much as possible, in order to showcase his skills and improve his chances of securing a new deal somewhere in the NHL.

However, the reality is that Beaulieu’s current situation comes down to his lack of consistency when he has played. As a result, he has been a healthy scratch for six of the last seven games, including Wednesday night’s matchup with the Calgary Flames.

With the Feb. 25 trade deadline fast approaching, the Sabres have to make a decision. Do they start to give Beaulieu more playing time again, or cut the cord and move him?

In order to answer this, the Swords must ask themselves what they have in the 2011 17th overall draft pick? Is this still the same player whose talent convinced the Canadiens to draft him so high, or is he destined never to fulfill his potential?

It’s all very well having intriguing upside. However, there are plenty of stories where professional athletes fail to live up to the expectations.

In a lot of cases, this comes down to a poor work ethic and lack of commitment. At least with the Buffalo Sabres, they will already know if this is an issue when it comes to Beaulieu.

While we’re not indicating Beaulieu’s attitude is an issue, it is important to note that he’s been in a similar position before. Consider that the main reason the Canadiens were willing to trade him to the Sabres in the first place, was because he had fallen out of favor.

This was quite a fall from grace, for a blue-liner who at one point was part of the Canadiens’ top pairing. Again, this alludes to both the talent and struggles for the player.

As tough as this season has been for Beaulieu, last season was even worse. He had to contend with a concussion and illnesses; no doubt this compromised his performances when he did play, best highlighted by a career-worst plus/minus rating of -19.

All thing considered, it’s probably best for all concerned if Beaulieu does move on to pastures new. Whether he can find an eligible suitor is another thing, considering how his season has gone up to this point.

What is your take on Beaulieu’s play so far this season? What would you do in the Buffalo Sabres’ position? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.