Former First Round Pick Officially Has Contract Terminated

The Montreal Canadiens have officially parted ways with former first-round pick Nicolas Beaudin, as confirmed in a statement released on Sunday. Beaudin is set to be placed on unconditional waivers for the termination of his contract, marking an apparent mutual decision. Reports suggest dissatisfaction from Beaudin regarding limited playtime within the Canadiens organization.

Notably, Beaudin wasn't originally drafted by the Canadiens; the Chicago Blackhawks selected him in the first round (27th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Montreal acquired Beaudin in October 2022, trading forward Cam Hillis to the Blackhawks for the defenseman. Despite the trade, Beaudin never saw NHL-level action with the Canadiens.