Eyes on the Prize: Cole Beaudoin and the Road to the NHL Draft

As the June 28, 2024 NHL Entry Draft draws nearer, all eyes in the hockey world are fixated on one name: Cole Beaudoin. The prospect of drafting this gritty forward has sent General Managers into a frenzy of strategy sessions and last-minute evaluations with their scouting staffs.

Cole Beaudoin epitomizes the values every team desires – dedication, resilience, and a relentless drive to win. Hailing from a strong hockey background, Beaudoin honed his skills with the Barrie Colts, where this season alone he notched an impressive 28 goals and 34 assists in 67 games. His leadership qualities were unmistakable, earning him the role of assistant captain and showcasing his ability to inspire his teammates on and off the ice. Standing tall at 6'2" and weighing 209 lbs, Beaudoin's physical presence is formidable. It's not just his size that sets him apart; it's how he uses it to dominate play, control the puck, and create scoring opportunities that has scouts buzzing.

But Beaudoin's journey to potential NHL stardom began long before his time with the Colts. In the HEO U18 league with the Nepean Raiders, he posted an incredible 24 goals and 53 assists in just 32 games during the 2021-22 season. His earlier stint with Ottawa Myers Automotive showcased his scoring prowess with 13 goals and 27 assists in 30 games during the 2019-20 season. The NHL Scouting Combine provided an important platform for teams to get a closer look at Beaudoin. Los Angeles Kings, for instance, interviewed 55 players during the combine, including prospects like Beaudoin. This final interaction before the draft allows teams to tie up loose ends and solidify their evaluations of players they're most interested in.

As the draft day approaches, the emotional roller coaster for Cole Beaudoin intensifies. The prospect of realizing his NHL dream becomes more tangible with each passing day, as teams like the Kings consider the impact he could have on their roster. For Cole Beaudoin, it's not just about being selected; it's about proving himself worthy of the opportunity to compete at the highest level of hockey. The anticipation builds, and soon, his fate will be decided as the hockey world watches closely on draft day.