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Nathan Beaulieu

Nathan Beaulieu is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nathan Beaulieu is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. Selected 17th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he played in the NHL for Montreal, Buffalo, Winnipeg and Anaheim before retiring from professional hockey in 2025.

Early life and junior career

Beaulieu is a Canadian defenceman from Ontario who developed through junior hockey before becoming an NHL prospect. His pre-NHL performance led to his first-round selection by Montreal in 2011.

NHL career

He began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens and later played for the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks. Across 471 regular-season games, he recorded 98 points and 340 penalty minutes.

Post-NHL career and retirement

After his NHL career, Beaulieu continued professionally in Europe and the KHL. He later retired from professional hockey in 2025 after 13 professional seasons.

Career statistics

Beaulieu’s recorded NHL output includes 12 goals, 86 assists, 98 points and 5 assists in 21 playoff games. His career is also noted for strong skating and puck-moving ability as a defenceman.

Key facts

  • Nathan Beaulieu is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman.
  • He played 471 regular-season NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks.
  • He was drafted 17th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2011.
  • He retired from professional hockey on July 23, 2025.
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Canadian context

Beaulieu is a Canadian player from Ontario who was drafted and developed through the Canadian hockey system, making him relevant to Canadian NHL history and Ontario-born professional players.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Nathan Beaulieu?
Nathan Beaulieu is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the NHL and later overseas.
Which NHL team drafted Nathan Beaulieu?
He was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, 17th overall, in 2011.
Which NHL teams did Nathan Beaulieu play for?
He played for the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets and Anaheim Ducks.
When did Nathan Beaulieu retire?
He announced his retirement from professional hockey on July 23, 2025.
What were Nathan Beaulieu’s NHL career totals?
He played 471 regular-season NHL games and scored 98 points, including 12 goals and 86 assists.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Beaulieu
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, draft position, NHL teams, and retirement date.
  2. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/news/nathan-beaulieu-retires-after-11-seasons
    Supports: Retirement, NHL career totals, teams, and post-NHL play in Switzerland and the KHL.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/player/stats/_/id/2562598/nathan-beaulieu
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, and draft information.
  4. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q522585
    Supports: Full name, birth date, birthplace, nationality, position, and team history.