While a lot goes beyond size in the NHL, when you can land a player who has both talent and size, it's a bit different.
While Cole Beaudoin isn't the highest ceiling player, he has perhaps one of the highest floors of the draft.
The 6-foot-2, 206lb center has been touted for his high motor, energy and commitment to a two-way game.
“I’m a big fan,” one scout told The Hockey News. “He has a very wide, bowlegged stance, and he’s a wide-track skater. Not pretty, but his hockey sense and two-way game are off the charts. I think he’ll be a winger in the NHL, but, at this level, he’s so responsible. He’s a big guy in great condition. He plays hard, and he plays both ends of the ice. Even when he doesn’t score, he never lets you down. Such an honest player.”
Beaudoin had a huge development jump with the Barrie Colts of the OHL this season going from eight goals and 20 points in 63 games in 2022-23 to 28 goals and 62 points in 64 games this year.
He was also a part of the Canadian U18 Gold Medal team.
The Canes are lacking a bit for centers in their pipeline currently and while the staff has a track record of going for guys with the most upside, Beaudoin has shown quite an aggressive development curve while exhibiting the work ethic and details that Carolina's coaching staff is a big fan of.
“He’s one of the best in the draft in terms of work ethic on and off the ice,” another scout told The Hockey News. “The skating needs to improve, but it’s not an issue, because he competes so hard and has shown offensive ability as well. Probably the best example of a prototypical power forward in the draft for the OHL.”
This could be a player that could really take off at the next level.
What are the experts saying?
Corey Pronman (The Athletic): "Beaudoin’s stock is high after a great World U18s for Canada where he displayed a highly likable, elite compete style game in front of decision makers. The offense in his game won’t ever wow you, but he looks like an all-day NHL center."
Tony Ferrari (The Hockey News): "A solid two-way center who plays a simple, projectable game. Beaudoin is a strong, physical power forward who drives the net to crash and bang."
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRs0rowLN5g[/embed]
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