NeutralZone.com<\/a>:<\/p>\nWhy He Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:<\/p>\n
High-End Skating Foundation<\/p>\n
Beauchesne\u2019s feet are elite for his age. His edgework, lateral agility, and ability to activate quickly into offensive or defensive transitions give him NHL-caliber potential. He walks the blue line fluidly, closes space defensively, and recovers when beat due to his stride efficiency. His retrieval-to-breakout transitions are a real strength.<\/p>\n
Puck Moving Intelligence and Creativity<\/p>\n
He completes 87% of his passes, including 0.74 per game that directly create Grade \u201cA\u201d scoring opportunities\u2014a top-end mark for OHL defensemen in this year\u2019s draft class. He shows vision through layers, can bait forecheckers with shoulder fakes or edge work, and passes crisply with touch or pace depending on the situation. His decisions with the puck in the offensive zone show maturity and intent.<\/p>\n
Competitiveness and Grit Under Pressure<\/p>\n
Despite not being overly physical, Beauchesne draws 0.46 penalties per game\u2014a very strong number that reflects his willingness to play through contact and hold pucks under pressure. His 2.1 loose puck recoveries after shots and 7 takeaways per game back up that his anticipation, stick positioning, and compete level are major assets. He wins 54% of his 50\/50 puck battles.<\/p>\n
Strong International Showing at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup<\/p>\n
Beauchesne was trusted in a top-four role with penalty killing responsibilities for Team Canada. He flashed mobility, intelligence, and adaptability against high-end international competition. He made multiple standout plays in transition, puck movement under pressure, and defensive reads from the weak side. While he struggled at times with positioning and risk-reward decisions, he bounced back strongly and proved he can handle pace.<\/p>\n
Why He Might Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:<\/p>\n
Turnover Rate and Puck Management Under Pressure<\/p>\n
Beauchesne averages 5.3 giveaways per game, a concerning number\u2014especially when he\u2019s not always clearing the zone under pressure. He sometimes holds the puck too long or tries to make plays through traffic instead of executing the simple, high-percentage outlet. In multiple viewings, this risk has led to extended defensive zone time or odd-man rushes the other way.<\/p>\n
Needs to Win More Physical Battles Consistently<\/p>\n
At 6\u20190\u201d, 185 lbs, Beauchesne is not undersized\u2014but his 1.05 hits received per game is high for a player with his feet. Against heavier or more physically mature forecheckers, he can be outmuscled on retrievals. The issue isn\u2019t compete level\u2014it\u2019s owning his ice and physical strength.<\/p>\n
Shot Selection and Offensive Refinement<\/p>\n
While Beauchesne attempts 3.5 shots per game, only 1.79 hit the net, and 0.81 are blocked\u2014a high rate that must come down. His shot selection from the point needs tightening, and he should be more deceptive at the line to create shooting lanes rather than forcing pucks into shin pads. His 12% scoring rate on Grade \u201cA\u201d chances is good for a defenseman but reinforces his need to get pucks on net more frequently.<\/p>\n
Projection:<\/p>\n
Beauchesne projects as a middle-pairing puck-moving defenseman with second-unit power play potential and the skating ability to play in a pace-driven NHL system. His NHL floor will depend on how much he simplifies his game under pressure, builds strength, and tightens his decision-making. The tools are there for a transition-focused defenseman who plays a meaningful role every night if developed properly.<\/p>\n
Overall, Beauchesne is an 18-year old defenseman. His decision making isn\u2019t always right, he can suffer from trying to do too much or attacking the game a little too hard. A lot of those are seemingly fixes that could come with more experience and can be coachable areas of improvement. With hockey player development, there\u2019s never a guarantee that fixable problems can actually be fixed, but it\u2019s seemingly better than the alternative for matters that can\u2019t be addressed (i.e. better problems to have than the 6\u20196\u201d guy with irredeemably heavy feet and skating issues or the 5\u20197\u201d player who doesn\u2019t have the oomph to compete at professional levels).<\/p>\n
Beauchesne makes the Top 25, even when some players in his draft class selected higher than him didn\u2019t, due to a projectable ceiling. That comes from a great skillset: Beauchesne can really scoot around the ice. He has good hands and can control the puck or pass it effectively. He\u2019s engaged and though not big or a banger, he will compete and doesn\u2019t look afraid of going for pucks. Being an always coveted right shot defender doesn\u2019t hurt either to add to his value profile. <\/p>\n
Beauchesne is a long, long way from a finished product – he only has 82 career OHL games under his belt that could be almost doubled in 2025-26. Beauchesne has a later birthday, he\u2019ll be 18-years old for much of next season (until March 1). He\u2019s got a long runway of development still to go in the OHL in the next couple of years and should be able to push his way into a part of the future in the Pens\u2019 organization one day down the line.<\/p>\n
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