Add Nathan Beaulieu to the list of Buffalo Sabres skaters who filed for arbitration, only to sign a new deal before their respective hearing. On Monday, the Sabres signed the newly acquired defenseman to a two-year deal worth an average of $2.4 million per season.
#Sabres have signed Nathan Beaulieu to a two-year deal worth $2.4M per season.
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) July 31, 2017
Beaulieu, 24, was dealt to the Sabres from the Montreal Canadiens earlier this summer in exchange for a third-round draft pick. A former first round pick in 2011, Beaulieu is coming off a 28 point season [4G, 24A, 74 games played] with the Canadiens last season.
Beaulieu was set to have his salary arbitration hearing on Saturday.
Bove's take:
$2.4 million seems like a reasonable amount to pay a defenseman that will likely open the season in the starting lineup. If Beaulieu struggles or doesn't live up to expectations, his contract won't handcuff the Sabres past the 2018-2019 season.
Beaulieu says he's so excited because he sees his style fitting into the #Sabres new system with Phil Housley @WKBW
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) June 18, 2017
Beaulieu is a bit of a wild card heading into next year. There's no denying that Beaulieu has talent and learning under Phil Housley could do the young blue liner wonders. However, over his relatively short NHL career, Beaulieu has been inconsistent.
At the end of the day, this signing shouldn't come as much of a surprise. It's a smart move for both sides.
Nathan Beaulieu when asked if the trade took him by surprise: "uh, no"
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) June 18, 2017
