It’s hard to know exactly what form the Montreal Canadiens blue line will take in a post-P.K. Subban world, but the biggest variable is Nathan Beaulieu having himself a productive pre-season.
For better or worse, the Habs likely have a pretty firm handle on what they can expect from Shea Weber, Andrei Markov and Jeff Petry. Less clear is what they can bank on from Beaulieu, a guy who — depending on the night — seems like he could be suited for any one of the team’s three defence pairings.
Beaulieu has yet to achieve top-four status in the NHL but the 23-year-old certainly looks the part at times. He drew assists on both of Montreal’s goals during a 3-2 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs Sunday night. The helpers mean Beaulieu now has six points in three pre-season contests, the other four coming during a one-and-three showing versus the Washington Capitals last Tuesday.
“He’s playing with confidence right now and that goes a long way,” said Petry. “I think he’s taken a step and he’s only going to, hopefully, continue to grow.”
While Weber and Petry are basically inked in as right-shot defencemen on the first two pairs, things are a little more open on the left side. Markov has played on the team’s top duo for years but the Habs have to be serious about managing the 37-year-old’s minutes. Alexei Emelin was No. 4 last year after Subban, Markov, and Petry in terms of average ice per game, though many see the lumbering Russian as better suited to a third-pair role.
Beaulieu has appeared in 64 games in each of the past two seasons, at times glimpsing great potential with his speed and aggression while also losing track of defensive assignments and playing a little too loose. There was some speculation about how patient Montreal was willing to be with him when training camp opened, as rumours circulated that his name had come up in trade talks. Maybe that was simply a case of other teams being interested in a six-foot-two blueliner who’s only beginning to figure out what he can do.
“I knew coming in this was going to be a big year for me,” said Beaulieu. “The biggest thing is just being ready mentally and physically, and I feel like I am.”
The youngster, who wore an ‘A’ versus Toronto, has certainly had to be on his toes early on. Beaulieu has seen at least 25 minutes of ice in each of his three exhibition games after averaging just over 17 last season. It’s all part of a process to find out if the 17th overall pick from 2011 can make good on that tantalizing ability.
“I’m ready,” said Beaulieu, noting he’s trying to prove his offensive worth while also demonstrating he can be trusted defensively. “They’re going to give me every opportunity to do it and they have thus far.”
If Beaulieu factors heavily into the Habs’ immediate future on defence, there’s also some longer-term intrigue on display in the form of Mikhail Sergachev. The 18-year-old Russian was drafted ninth overall by the team last June, and consensus is that might have been a steal. Though Sergachev doesn’t figure to stick in Montreal this season — at least, not beyond October — he might be ready for a job on the left side by the time the contract of his countryman Markov expires next July. While Sergachev was held off the scoresheet versus the Leafs, his playing partner took note of his poise.
“He’s good at going back and getting the puck and moving his feet,” said Petry. “Confident with the puck and he made a good first pass.”
