The Buffalo Sabres traded for Nathan Beaulieu the day before the roster freeze in advance of last year’s expansion draft. The Sabres sent a third round pick in the 2017 NHL draft to the Montreal Canadiens for the rights to Beaulieu who was restricted free agent. The Sabres then signed Beaulieu to a 2 year/$4.8 million contract.
Taken in the first round of the 2011 NHL draft by the Canadiens, Nathan Beaulieu played 3 full seasons in Montreal. Bealieu’s playing time and responsibility steadily increased each season. He arrived in Buffalo after career highs in games played, goals, assists, shots, time on ice, and CF%.