2011 NHL Entry Draft

Sunday, March 6, 2011

2011 Draft Prospect: Nathan Beaulieu

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Statistics (2010-2011): Saint John Sea Dogs 59GP 12G 31A 43P +45 48PIM, 6'3" 191lbs

The Sain John Sea Dogs are this years version of Portland. Last year Portland boasted Ryan Johansen, Nino Niederreiter, Brad Ross, Taylor Aronson, and Troy Rutkowski. This year the Sea Dogs have the dynamic Jonathan Huberdeau, puck wizard Tomas Jurco, gritty Zack Phillips, and the ultra-skill Beaulieu. It remains to be seen if he is the driving force of the team or putting up a bunch of gravy points on such a good team.

Beaulieu is definitely a feel good story of the draft. Although he had to go through a lot to get to where he is today. Since Beaulieu played his minor hockey in NB, the Strathroy, Ontario native was drafted by his fathers team- the Sea Dogs. Although it seemed like things were finally looking up for Beaulieu, his father was removed from the organization on very negative terms. For most young kids this could have been a huge turning point in one's hockey career. Yet, Beaulieu kept up his development and proved that he could overcome any obstacle.

Beaulieu plays an up-tempo offensive game that opens up the play. He doesn't have the same attention to defence that a guy like Brandon Gormley has, but he can move the puck and skate it out of his own zone. He has a good hard shot and can see the ice well. He could be ranked as high as ten or barely inside the first round of this years NHL entry draft. It is pretty wide open but he should be a top 15 pick. I wouldn't be surprised if he is given a long look at NHL training camp and maybe even in the NHL next year. If the Sea Dogs win the memorial cup this year, he would have very little to prove in the QMJHL.

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