Excerpt from 'Rocket Hockey Report' of host Amy Johnson commenting on Arber Xhekaj's recent AHL performances. On Saturday, Anthony Marcotte of BPM Sports reported that Nicolas Beaudin would like to play more whether it’s in Laval or on another team. He has handed the request in the hands of his agent, Andre Ruel of CAA Hockey. "I can't control what happens [in Laval]. I take it day-by-day, week-by-week and we will see what happens over the next couple of weeks," Beaudin said in an interview with BPM Sports that aired on Sunday. Laval Rocket defenseman Nicolas Beaudin. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzNDgzODE4MjQ0NDUwMTAw/beaudin-53308195314_155305f242_k.jpg] Laval Rocket defenseman Nicolas Beaudin. Beaudin was drafted 27th overall in 2018 by the Chicago Blackhawks and played in 22 NHL games over three seasons before requesting a trade. On October 26th, 2022, he was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for forward Cam Hillis. In his first season with the Laval Rocket, Beaudin was in and out of the lineup and finished the year with 25 points in 39 games. This year, the defenceman has dressed for 13 games and totaled six points. "I see myself at least as a top-six AHL defenceman. I think I can play every night in this league. It's not me that decides right now. We have a good team, we have good guys and I get along well with everyone here. I will be a good teammate, remain a good professional and my agent will do his job on his end," Beaudin added. When in the lineup, Beaudin has shown that he's offensive minded and regularly receives time on the power play. With the additions of top defensive prospects to the team, the Chateauguay native has dropped in the organization's depth chart. "It's tough. He's a player that we consider more as offensive. Currently, we have Mailloux, Xhekaj, and Trudeau that are able to bring offence, so he's outside of the top-six. It's not easy," Jean-Francois Houle told BPM Sports. "We have a lot of defensive depth on defence in the Montreal Canadiens organization, so it's not easy for the players that aren't playing." Beaudin will be a restricted free agent at the conclusion of the season. Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Montreal [https://thn.com/montreal] for year-round coverage of the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects playing in leagues around the world. <font><font>A free issue of The Hockey News</font></font> [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk3MTk4Mzc0MTE4Nzc2/hockeynewsad.jpg] <font><font>A free issue of The Hockey News</font></font>
