Beaudin Let Go By Canadiens Whilst Alex Formenton Surrenders To Police

Summary:

• Beaudin will end his contract with the Canadiens under a mutual agreement
• He is speculated to go and play in Europe, following in the footsteps of former NHL players
• Alex Formenton surrendered to police in connection with the 2018 World Junior sexual allegations scandal

Nicolas Beaudin and the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens have agreed to part ways, with the defenseman now put on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination.

It remains uncertain what Beaudin’s next steps will be following his release from the Canadiens, but there are indications he might play in Europe to reignite his career.

Beaudin Trying His Luck Elsewhere

Aiming to build a successful career in the NHL, Beaudin joined the Chicago Blackhawks in 2018 and initially played for the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. He made his NHL debut in March 2020 and saw significant playing time with the Blackhawks during the 2021-22 season after Adam Boqvist suffered injuries. 

In October 2022, Beaudin was traded to the Canadiens in exchange for Cameron Hillis and has since played for the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. 

Beaudin joined the training camp but never played any NHL game with the Canadiens throughout his stint with the team. The 24-year-old also did not get a lot of playing time in Laval, with the club opting to go for the likes of William Trudeau, Logan Mailloux, and Arber Xhekaj. 

Beaudin was reportedly not happy about that, which could have played a factor in his decision to move on and look for bigger opportunities elsewhere. He may sign with a new team in the AHL or try his luck in Europe where he could be allowed to shine and make a name for himself. 

Beaudin may have sensed he would have a place in Europe after taking part in December’s Spengler Cup, an annual invitational ice hockey tournament held in Davos, Switzerland. Beaudin could very well shift his attention to Europe and become a key player there before returning to North America to continue his NHL pursuit.

Alex Formenton Surrenders to Police 

In other news, Alex Formenton turned himself in to police on January 28 as the investigation continues into sexual assault allegations against several members of the Canadian 2018 world junior team. The former Ottawa Senators forward took a leave of absence from his current club, HC Ambri-Piotta of the National League.

Formenton, along with NHL players Dillon Dube (Calgary Flames), Michael McLeod, Cal Foote (New Jersey Devils), and Carter Hart (Philadelphia Flyers) were charged in relation to the sexual assault case, known as the Hockey Canada scandal.