Cole Beaudoin arrived in New York unexpectedly, and now Mike Sullivan has another young forward pushing for a Rangers roster spot.
Beaudoin expected to leave junior hockey and begin his professional career in the Utah Mammoth organization, either in the NHL or with their AHL affiliate.
Instead, his summer changed during development camp when Utah traded him to the New York Rangers alongside Sean Durzi in the July 1 deal involving Vincent Trocheck.
“I was just with all of the guys and then the news kind of broke,” Beaudoin said on being traded to the Rangers. “It was crazy, I wasn't expecting it.”
The surprise quickly turned into excitement for the 20-year-old forward, who suddenly had an Original Six organization offering him a new path toward the NHL.
“It's been exciting,” Beaudoin said. “It was kind of a surprise, but again, nothing but good things to say about Utah, and now moving to New York, Original Six team, I'm excited, super excited to get going.”
Beaudoin is aiming higher than Hartford
Beaudoin spent the last two seasons with the Barrie Colts and captained the club last season, recording 33 goals, 55 assists and 88 points in 54 games.
That production gave him confidence that his junior career had prepared him for professional hockey and the different responsibilities that come with fighting for lineup minutes.
“I think going back to Junior there, I thought I had a big year in Barrie… I learned a lot about myself, learned a lot about my game. I had that confidence in myself to make those plays offensively, but then also shut down top lines if needed,” Beaudoin said of his decision to go pro.
“I've learned a lot so I think I'm ready to make that jump and play pro this year.”
The Hartford Wolf Pack remains a realistic starting point with several Rangers players battling for opening-night jobs. Beaudoin isn't approaching camp as though an AHL assignment has already been decided.
“That's my goal. That has been my goal since coming to my first NHL camp,” Beaudoin said. “I want to play in the NHL, that's everyone's goal is to make the NHL.”
“That's my goal coming out here for rookie camp and then moving into main camp, is I want to make that team. That's my goal, and I'm going to push.”
That puts Beaudoin directly into one of the Rangers' most interesting camp battles. The trade was unexpected. His response is much clearer: make Sullivan seriously consider keeping him.
Will Cole Beaudoin force his way onto the Rangers roster?
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