Season Stats: 59 GP | 1 G | 8 A | 9 PTS
Age: 25
Contract Status: Signed through 2018-19
Yuck.
That is the best way to explain Nathan Beaulieu’s debut season with the Buffalo Sabres. There was a lot of hype, despite fair warning from Montreal Canadiens faithful.
On the surface, the risk was worth the reward.
Rewind to last June, when Jason Botterill acquired Beaulieu for a third-round pick. When all was said and done, the picked ended up as the 68th overall pick.
Looking into the statistical breakdown of draft pick success from 1990-2013, TSN determined back in June that picks 61-70 have had a 32.2% chance of amassing at least 100 career NHL games. Botterill took that bet with Beaulieu, who had already played 225 NHL games heading into the season.
While the jury is still out on the draft pick given up, it appears the Sabres’ hand has gone bust before the house could even get themselves to the river card.
You hate to be so harsh but the thought of “abstract failure” comes to mind with how poorly Beaulieu’s season ended up playing out.
Ultimately, Beaulieu struggled to find a role in the Buffalo Sabres defensive system. He was very much lost on the ice and often made boneheaded plays in his own zone.
With a pending cap-hit of 2.4 million dollars and a bevy of moves likely to take place, it is hard to imagine that Beaulieu will be on the Buffalo Sabres opening night roster when October rolls around. Things might end up a wash for both sides, only time will tell. This bet likely won’t pan out for Botterill but as they say, you have to pay to play.
Season Grade: D
What grade would you give Nathan Beaulieu this season?
| A | 4 |
| B | 8 |
| C | 43 |
| D | 196 |
| F | 323 |