Anthony Beauvillier, Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL)
Birthplace: Sorel-Tracey, Quebec
Birthdate: June 8th, 1997
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 176 lbs
2014-15 Statline: 67 GP, 42 G, 52 A, 94 pts
Scout Rankings: 41 (ISS Hockey), 31 (Future Considerations), 43 (TSN)
Scouting Report:
As of now, here is what draftsite.com’s most recent mock draft looks like:
As you can see, I am not looking at the first round. Instead, I’m focusing on the second round where Ottawa could get some very good players. There are some intriguing names on this list like Vince Dunn, Daniel Sprong, Filip Chlapik, and the player that I would love to see Ottawa take: Anthony Beauvillier.
Right now he’s projected to go right where Ottawa is at #42, which would be fantastic. I have been a fan of his ever since a few months ago when I discovered there was this player in the QMJHL out-scoring some top-10 picks.
His stats this year were amazing:
He finished 8th in the QMJHL in scoring, but was first amongst ’97 born players. Furthermore, his 1.34 age-adjusted points per game (1.34) this past season ranked fourth amongst all draft eligible CHL players this year. The only players ahead? Connor McDavid, Dylan Strome, and Mitch Marner. Yet for some reason, he has gotten little to no hype.
The knock on Beauvillier is two things: One, he’s small for a hockey player; and two, it seems he needs to work on his discipline. This past season he racked up 72 penalty minutes, which is quite a lot for a small offensive centre. Nobody knows what his personality is like or how he acts in the dressing room, but from the sounds of it his “discipline” also includes maturing a bit.
I can’t comment on his personality, but considering he’s 18 years old, I don’t see that as a problem whatsoever. As of now it looks like only his size is an issue. Future Considerations ranks him at 31st, which is higher than other places, although they had this to say about his weaknesses:
"His decision-making and effectiveness isn’t always great when he has the puck due to his size and inability to work through that deficit. If he can add more strength and play smarter, understanding his limitations, we like his upside."
There is some risk in taking Beauvillier like any player, but the upside looks too high to pass up on him. Future Considerations also has some praise for him and his game:
"Does many of the little things right in addition to creating offense and playing a tight defensive game…He is a speedy guy, is very shifty and moves around the ice with a nice, quick stride. Showed some good jam on the forecheck and while not being very physically imposing, he helps his cause by taking good routes to the puck and using his smarts and savvy board play to win battles…A really useful player who we hope puts up solid numbers wherever he plays moving forward."
To me, that is a great scouting report. He has the numbers to back up his play, and Future Considerations thinks he has a lot of good qualities that make him effective. He looks to be a potential high-end player that will almost surely be available in the early second round.
Would He Fit With Ottawa?
Without a doubt he would fit in Ottawa. The great thing is they don’t even have to take him with their 18th overall selection. He may be taken before 42nd, but if so it’s not the end of the world. But if he somehow is still on the board when Ottawa takes their second pick, he should be the man they call up.
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I have said before about the Senators taking risks in the draft, and with two picks in the mid second round they have the luxury of going for a player with lots more upside. They don’t need a centre per se, but if somebody of Beauvillier’s caliber is available in the second round, you take him.
I can imagine him becoming a top line player in the NHL, but of course he still has a long way to go. I’m sure he’ll get a bit bigger and stronger, and you can only hope that he ends up being a mature young player. If he really wants to succeed in the NHL, I’m sure he has what it takes off the ice to achieve his goals. He clearly has the skills on the ice and he could be a steal for Ottawa in the second round.