Surprise departure of a defenseman: Nicolas Beaudin had a lot to say

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David St-Jean
May 10, 2024 (11:41)

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Photo credit: RDS

The Canadiens lost a young defenseman for nothing a few weeks ago, something Kent Hughes doesn't really appreciate.

Indeed, the GM always tries to maximize his trades and not let players go for nothing, but it's impossible to have a 100% success rate.

Nicolas Beaudin left the organization while he was being used as the 7th defenseman with the Laval Rocket. He was clearly not satisfied with his usage, and Kent Hughes sort of did him a favor by releasing him.

The defenseman finally opened up about the reasons for his departure from the Habs' organization to Europe, where he now plays in the Czech Republic.

"I told him, 'I'm leaving, I want to leave in the next few weeks.' Then I started receiving offers from Switzerland, Germany... And then I thought, as long as I'm finishing the year in Europe, let's take what gives me the most money. [...] At the same time, it wasn't just about the money. This team was top-2 in the league. [...]"

Beaudin was determined. It's certain that when you're the 7th defenseman of a farm team of one of the worst teams in the NHL, you have to face the facts and change your plans. His dream of playing regularly in the NHL must have vanished.

That's where we see that being drafted in the first round doesn't guarantee a career in the best league in the world.

Previously on All Habs

The next Kirby Dach for the Canadiens may have been identified

Kent Hughes is turned down by a prospect who signs in Europe

Panelist Norman Flynn proposed another surprising trade

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10 MAI \| 287 ANSWERS Surprise departure of a defenseman: Nicolas Beaudin had a lot to say Were you disappointed to see Nicolas Beaudin leave the Canadiens of his own free will?
Yes	57	19.9 %
No	230	80.1 %
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