For a hockey player who grew up in Quebec, Francois Beauchemin has seemingly been on top of the world. The rugged defenseman made his NHL debut with the beloved Montreal Canadiens, he won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks and he now plays for legendary Quebec-raised goalie Patrick Roy.
"It's been a great journey," Beauchemin said.
At age 35, Beauchemin is still considered a top-pair defenseman, a No. 1 or No. 2, and is the primary piece of the Avalanche's rebuilt blue line after signing a three-year, $13.5 million contract as a free agent this past summer.