Montreal Canadiens sign defenseman Nathan Beaulieu to entry-level deal -NHL Update
Nathan Beaulieu, a 19-year-old defenseman from Strathroy, Ontario, Canada, finally had his prayers answered as Montreal Canadiens brought him on board with a three-year, entry-level contract worth $2.775 million on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.
It is believed that Beaulieu and Montreal Canadiens newly appointed general manager, Marc Bergevin, had a meeting prior to the signing, which was brief in nature but has resulted in a solid deal for the young defender.
Beaulieu was in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, while the terms were negotiated on and can now focus on working towards playing for the Montreal Canadiens now with him secure on the major league team for the next three seasons.
The former 17th overall selection during the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by Montreal Canadiens has been playing for the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for the past three straight seasons
and was with them as they won championship, but failed to defend it this time around.
“We were disappointed because we thought we had the best team, but we didn’t prove it on the ice,” Beaulieu said. “Now, I’m focusing on making the Canadiens. I think I’ve improved since last season, but there have been a lot of changes in Montreal and I
have to prove myself to a new group of people.”
Beaulieu will be getting his chance to make the team when he participates in the four-day development camp in front of the Montreal Canadiens management from June 13-16. His skills and fitness will be put to the test and if this part of the process goes
well then Beaulieu will have it much easier in the upcoming training camp in September.
Being a defenseman in the major league is no easy act and Nathan Beaulieu is very well aware of that fact. This offseason will be one in which he will have strengthen himself not only physically, but mentally as well.
It will be interesting to see whether Nathan Beaulieu will be make the team or not during this year’s offseason training camp as Montreal Canadiens work towards making their team better in each and every aspect.
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