Buffalo Sabres Defenseman Nathan Beaulieu Deserves Playing Time

The Buffalo Sabres have stuck Nathan Beaulieu in the press box for too long, and it’s time he really got a chance to prove his worth.

Just a couple of days ago, Buffalo Sabres defenseman reportedly asked for a trade from management, supposedly citing a lack of playing time in a contract year. While some may not believe that he has earned a chance at playing more, there is legitimate reasoning why he should actually be starting.

Beaulieu’s last game was against the Edmonton Oilers, and it was a game where he did not look stellar in any way, but then again, neither did the rest of the team that night. He seemingly has lost his starting spot to youngster Lawrence Pilut, while Casey Nelson is still recovering from injury as well. The issue I have, is that Beaulieu still has a better playing ability than another Sabres defender that consistently plays sub par; Marco Scandella.

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Nathan Beaulieu and Scandella are different players for sure, but what Beaulieu brings to the table is a little more valuable most nights. Scandella seemingly has his roster spot locked up, and that complacency is hurting the team. He finds himself paired up with Ristolainen more recently and that reward is unjustified. Beaulieu has had to fight his way into the lineup each night, and it has made him a hungrier and more responsible player.

Last season I wouldn’t have trusted Beaulieu to defend with a literal brick wall in goal, but this season, he has shown some serious heart, and I believe that he really deserves a shot at starting each night, especially over Scandella. Stats wise, these two are very close. Scandella has 9 points (3G, 6A) in 38 games this season, and Beaulieu has 7 points (3G, 4A) in 26 games. In that span, Scandella is also a -4 while Beaulieu is and even 0.

Something needs to change on the defensive side of the Buffalo Sabres game, and switching Beaulieu and Scandella might be the change they need. Now, I’m not saying to put Beaulieu on the top pairing with Ristolainen, but I am saying that he should be playing more than he is.

Beaulieu has offensive upside along with some renewed defensive ability this season. He also brings physical toughness to the table each night, throwing hits, fighting if needed, and irritating opposing players into dumb penalties. Those traits can sometimes go unnoticed, but having them in the lineup more consistently will help Buffalo long term.

Buffalo is playing the Vancouver Canucks tonight at 10pm EST, and Beaulieu will not be in the lineup. Regardless of that, look for the team to shore up defensively as they try to make this road trip worth it towards their playoff push.