Breaking down what Cole Beaudoin would bring to the Vegas Golden Knights
Some players are meant to be part of the Vegas Golden Knights. Here's why that could make sense for Cole Beaudoin in the NHL Draft.
Some players were meant to be a part of the Vegas Golden Knights. They carry a specific style to their game, getting to work during every shift. That means putting your body on the line at every juncture and taking away shooting lanes. The opponents can't generate anything offensively, leading to many turnovers.
In the upcoming NHL Draft starting on June 28, there's a certain prospect who embodies these values, doing whatever it takes to help his team win. His name? Cole Beaudoin, a gritty forward who lays everything out on the ice every night. Such qualities are respected by Bruce Cassidy, especially when it comes to going all-out on the forecheck.
Beaudoin has a good hockey background, starting with his time with the Barrie Colts. The Canadian center scored 28 goals and 34 assists in 67 games this season for the OHL team. Along the way, he earned the distinction of assistant captain, showing an impeccable knack for leadership.
He's also done incredible work in 2021-22 with the Nepean Raiders in the HEO U18 league, scoring 24 goals and 53 assists in 32 games. In a prior stint, he performed well for Ottawa Myers Automotive in 2019-20. Here, the Canadian forward scored 13 goals and 27 assists in 30 games.
He showcased his ability to score in any environment, making him an appealing NHL Draft prospect. But there's more to the budding superstar than his stats. Cole Beaudoin was recently named to the 2024 Kubota CHL Top Prospect Game for his impressive offensive acumen.
He might look like a reach at the 19th overall pick. Other players could fit in as well as the Canadian forward. But there's more to the Barrie Colts star than just scoring goals. What other attributes make Beaudoin an attractive draft candidate? Why should teams like the Vegas Golden Knights take a flyer on the young forward?
Cole Beaudoin is great physically
There's something to be said about players who are big hockey players. They can be used in many ways, giving NHL teams flexibility in their game plans. Luckily for Cole Beaudoin, he has such physical attributes, standing at 6'2" and weighing 209 lbs. Watch how he leverages his size to control the puck and create scoring opportunities.
Being a physical specimen will draw plenty of attention in the NHL Draft. That's especially true when the player displays good puck-handling and can leverage his bulk against defenders. Defenders can't pry the puck away when he has his back turned. Mixing bulk with great puck control is a good mix for the Canadian forward, turning him into a wrecking ball.
Of course, that also translates well defensively. The native of Kanata, Ontario, has a strong two-way game, working both ends of the ice flawlessly. He uses his size to win puck battles by overpowering his opponents with raw strength. That's also used on the forecheck, where he can create turnovers.
Some teams like the Vegas Golden Knights emphasize being bigger. They believe in using the extra size to clog lanes and create turnovers, where Beaudoin's the perfect fit. He can use his offensive game to make plays and score goals while creating havoc in the defensive zone. Such abilities wouldn't be possible without being sizable, which fits the Barrie Colts star.
He's a coachable NHL Draft prospect for the Vegas Golden Knights
Another value many teams seek is the ability to be coached. Not every hockey player is perfect. If that were the case, the NHL wouldn't be a fun sport. Luckily, some players have this admirable trait. That includes Cole Beaudoin, who's worked on some deficiencies during his time with the Barrie Colts.
The NHL Draft prospect had problems with his skating before this season. Often, Beaudoin would look sluggish on the ice, hindering the attack. Not only that, but it would hurt his respective team defensively, leaving him stuck in transition.
However, he's learned to take better strides and move with more power. As a result, it's made Beaudoin a stronger overall player, improving many aspects of his game. Whether it's turning him into a strong two-way player or making him into a dangerous offensive player, that minor tweak has helped him.
But it leads to a greater point of being coachable, which makes an NHL Draft prospect attractive. Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights jump at the opportunity to pick such prospects, for they can mold them into their system. That's good news for Cole Beaudoin, who will boost his draft stock through this avenue.
Cole Beaudoin has other great offensive attributes
As mentioned, Cole Beaudoin has an incredible knack for being an offensive playmaker. He can score goals at will and is tough to pry the puck away. Overall, that should make the Canadian forward an exciting prospect offensively. However, there are more layers to his game than just shooting the puck in the net.
For example, he carries a good shot that does damage. It's hard defending an incoming puck when fired like a laser. The Vegas Golden Knights would get that with Beaudoin, whose shot is strong enough to cause havoc.
The young prospect also has a fantastic on-ice vision where he can make his next move. He has great reads on defenses and what to do next, allowing him to set up. Combine that with his physical attributes and he's one of the better offensive talents in the draft.
If the Golden Knights have the opportunity to draft the Barrie Colts star with other options scratched, they should take that chance. Other prospects might stir the pot if picked. However, picking Beaudoin could be the biggest draft reward Vegas has reaped in franchise history.
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