This season’s Tampa Bay Lightning trade deadline promises to be fascinating to observe. They have been busy with deals during the past few seasons. Blake Coleman and Barry Goodrow were the first. Michael Eyssimont and Tanner Jeannot have done so more recently. The dilemma for the Lightning this season is: should they purchase or sell? Kyle Pereira and Jack Pallotta will begin a series at Last Word where they examine some possible swaps. If they purchase, who do they get? What do they forfeit? We examine Anthony Beauvillier of the Chicago Blackhawks today.
Anthony Beauvillier Trade Deadline for the Tampa Bay Lightning
The name Beauvillier is really intriguing. Given that he is a Blackhawk, it’s highly likely that other clubs will bring him up as the deadline draws near. Beauvillier, who was chosen 28th overall in the 2015 NHL entry draft, began his NHL career with the New York Islanders in 2016–17. With 24 points (nine goals and fifteen assists) in 66 games, he made an impression as a rookie. He would play for the Islanders for portions of seven seasons in all, tallying 209 points in 457 games with 102 goals and 107 assists. In particular, he made a name for himself during two different playoff campaigns.
Beauvillier led the Islanders to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019–20 after scoring 14 points in 22 playoff games. The Islanders performed admirably the next season as well, losing to the Lightning in the Conference Finals once more. The second time around, Beauvillier scored 13 points in 19 games. Nevertheless, he was moved to the Blackhawks this season after being dealt to the Vancouver Canucks in the Bo Horvat trade last year. In 70 games with the two teams, he has scored 34 points overall. This season, in 37 games, that equates to 14 points.
Scouting Report for Beauvillier
Beauvillier is a man the Lightning should know from his Long Island days. Beauvillier was one of their best players, so it should be enough for Julien BriseBois to at least take a look in his direction after back-to-back Conference Finals matchups. He hasn’t been a major contributor during the regular season, aside from the postseason. With 40 points in 82 games, 2022–2023 was his greatest season to date. During the 2020–21 season, he scored 28 points in 47 games (0.60 points per game), which was his best point-per-game average for the whole season. For what reason is that the case?
Beauvillier, then, isn’t exactly a showy goal scorer or creator. His style of play is quite simple. As a chip-and-chase transitional player, he is notably among the first forwards into the offensive zone to forecheck, demonstrating his understanding of that technique. In Tampa, that chip-and-chase strategy is perfect. His aggressive forechecking also meshes well with the foundation the Lightning have established over time. He can be located in one of two spots once the action is established in the attacking zone: either directly in front of the net or on his shooting side’s half-wall. He has only scored four goals this season and ranks ninth on the Blackhawks in terms of shots on goal per 60 minutes, so he hasn’t been a prolific shooter.
Beauvillier’s Advantages
Beauvillier’s work ethic and intensity are his greatest assets as the Tampa Bay Lightning consider their alternatives in front of the trade deadline. It’s not like he’s always flying on the ice like Eyssimont or Brandon Hagel. Rather, he enters first, recognizes angles, and attempts to stop the break-out. If that fails, he backchecks tenaciously, becoming a pain in the side for puck carriers. Numerous previous Lightning acquisitions have demonstrated effective forechecking and unwavering drive. For that reason, Beauvillier fits well.
He has 6.3 anticipated goals, which indicates that he is scoring at least two goals less than what he should be, in addition to his other strong points. That is to say, he creates opportunities by entering such hazardous and unclean regions, but he isn’t finished. It’s true that nobody’s case is helped by playing in Chicago, but that’s a good thing. There’s a ceiling higher than what shows.
Concerns Regarding Beauvillier
He hasn’t been a strong defensive zone presence this season or in the past. It’s easy to observe how he primarily hovers in the defensive zone when watching him play. He doesn’t really move much, even though he knows his role and isn’t out of position. As soon as the puck moves up the rink, he will start to move his feet.
Furthermore, even though he excels at reaching the net front and attacking high-danger areas, there isn’t really much upside. He scored 20 goals in a single season in 2017–18. Only three times in his career has he scored more than 35 points in a season (2017–18, 2019–20, and 2022-23). Players that get to the net and produce modest to far less than modest numbers, such as Nick Paul, Eyssimont, Jeannot, Luke Glendening, and Austin Watson, are already on the Lightning roster. In Tampa, aren’t there already too many people with modest production skills? Why then add someone else who might generate mediocre results, especially at first while making adjustments?
The Probable Course Of Events For Anthony Beauvillier
Two items: Beauvillier has a high cap charge because of his $4,150,000 season salary. Some of that would have to stay with the Lightning. It also means that another body needs to return to Chicago, even if only 50% of it is retained. Positively, Chicago shouldn’t worry about keeping pay on the one-year contract. Furthermore, the Blackhawks would find the deal somewhat more appealing if they were to receive another warm body back.
Due to Beauvillier’s injury, any contract talks will probably have to wait until after he recovers and has had a few games. Unfortunately, the wrist injury that has kept him out of action for some time raises a lot of worry for a player who likes to get into unclean areas. In light of this, let’s assume that his injury and its effects have somewhat diminished his value. One major obstacle is the pay. This is how the deal may go in the event that one of their defensemen—Emil Lilleberg or Haydn Fleury—is sent down:
