Beaudin seeking redemption after lackluster debut season

LAS VEGAS – The Colorado Avalanche had an easier day on Monday as they practiced in the morning before adjourning for a day of shenanigans here in Vegas. They’ve lost their first two games of the rookie showcase but have one last opportunity to get on the winning side of things with a game tomorrow morning.

There was a small handful of players sitting out of practice as the main parties from Colorado’s front office looked on. It was a pretty quick session as Vegas was set to take the ice and there was a serious media contingent on hand after the Max Pacioretty trade and subsequent contract extension.

One of the stars of Colorado’s game against the Golden Knights was forward J.C. Beaudin, who did not play in game two. Centering a line of Ty Lewis and Logan O’Connor, the shifty Beaudin provided the third prong of what has been Colorado’s best combination of the first two games.

The 21-year-old is coming off a disappointing first pro season as he split time between San Antonio and Colorado (ECHL) before helping to lead the Eagles to their second consecutive Kelly Cup championship. With the Eagles jumping up to the AHL, Beaudin is excited for the transition.

“It was a great experience last year and a great organization,” he said. “But there’s Avs camp before and I’m going to try to make the best of it.”

Beaudin believes having the NHL team right down the road will only to serve to enhance the relationship between players and the organization as they will be less splintered.

“It’s closer, I think the organization will be a lot better,” Beaudin said. “It’s going to be easier for guys to move between the teams. I’m excited.”

This is the third rookie showcase Beaudin has participated in. When asked what it was like to be a veteran of a rookie showcase, he laughed before getting into what’s changed for him since year one.

“I’m just less nervous I guess,” he said. “I’m one of the older guys so I know what to expect. I just came here to play my game and help the young guys play their game, too, and feel comfortable. I’m excited to play tomorrow and hopefully, we’ll get a win.”

Beaudin’s focus is strictly on himself as the landscape around him has drastically changed the last couple of years. Once one of Colorado’s more intriguing forward prospects, Beaudin seemingly has gotten lost in the shuffle of a dramatic overhaul of the forward portion of the organization.

“I’m playing my game and we’ll see,” Beaudin said. “I’m confident in my abilities. I’m going to play my game and do my thing and we’ll see what happens.”

As for the influx of forwards, Beaudin is simply paying it forward, using the older players when he was first drafted as an example to follow.

“I appreciate the challenge,” Beaudin explained of the competition for spots. “I think it’s a good thing. When I was young, older guys were doing the same so I’m just trying to do the same thing as them.”

It’s a new era for the Avalanche organization and Beaudin is just trying to carve out a role for him in it. The key for him is just keeping it simple and doing his thing.

“I’m just trying to play my game,” he explained. “Do what I can do best and we’ll see what happens.”

As a player whose second season has always coincided with a significant leap in production and overall impact, Beaudin is looking for something similar this time around with the Eagles.

If he accomplishes that goal, Beaudin just might push his way back to the forefront of the conversation when it comes to Avalanche forward prospects.