GM Kent Hughes trades Cam Hillis for Chicago Blackhawks’ Nicolas Beaudin

On October 25th 2022, General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens Kent Hughes announced that the team would be trading forward Cam Hillis in exchange for Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nicolas Beaudin. 

Beaudin was selected by the Blackhawks in the first round, 27th pick of the 2018 NHL Draft. The defenseman has played 22 games since being drafted, but only two games during the 2021-22 season. During his NHL career, Beaudin has tallied two goals and four assists. 

With veteran defenseman Joel Edmundson on the long-term injury-reserve list, the Canadiens have turned their focus towards rebuilding the team and relying heavily on their rookie defensemen. So far, young defenders such as Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris, and Arber Xhejak have been holding their own on the ice with more experienced NHL players. Beaudin is a talented offensive defender with a lot of potential, so he should make a strong addition to the Canadiens’ rebuild. 

Hillis was selected by the Canadiens in the third round, 66th pick of the 2018 NHL Draft. The center-man only played in one NHL game during the 2021-22 season, before being moved to the AHL where he tallied ten points in 42 games. Then, he finished off his 2021-22 season in the ECHL, skating 17 games and put up 11 points. 

Sources:

NHL.com, and Montreal Canadiens. “Canadiens Acquire Nicolas Beaudin from Blackhawks.” NHL.com, NHL.com, 26 Oct. 2022, https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/canadiens-acquire-nicolas-beaudin-from-blackhawks/c-336823570.

Potvin, Blain, and Blain PotvinBlain is a regular contributor as a THW Writer. For over 7 years he has been a part time journalist and podcaster covering the NHL. “Canadiens' Rookie Defensemen Make Edmundson Expendable.” The Hockey Writers, 22 Oct. 2022, https://thehockeywriters.com/canadiens-rookie-defensemen-make-edmundson-expendable/.

“Nicolas Beaudin Stats and News.” NHL.com, https://www.nhl.com/player/nicolas-beaudin-8480814.