Penguins Make Surprise Roster Move, Send Young Defenseman Back to Junior Hockey
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
The Penguins have gone ahead and made another roster cut earlier today, as this time it is young defenseman Quinn Beauchesne being sent to the OHL.
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced another training camp roster move, cutting defenseman Quinn Beauchesne and sending him back to the Ontario Hockey League's Guelph Storm.
A fifth-round draft pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Beauchesne was looking to leave his mark when camp opened and did.
A world-class skater with velocity and quickness on par with the NHL level, he showed his stuff at development camp and again last week at the Prospects Challenge.
His puck-moving skills, added to a physical aspect, where he had a fight and an assist, and was a goal away from a Gordie Howe hat trick, raised some eyebrows and offered a look at what he might develop into.
Quinn Beauchesne Spent Time Playing Alongside Several Key Veterans at Camp
At camp, Beauchesne was placed in Group C and was able to pick the brains of veteran NHLers like Bryan Rust and Rickard Rakell.
"I've got a lot to prove," Beauchesne said. "Obviously, not being necessarily a high-round draft pick, just trying to put everything into every single day, every practice, every game. I don't look too far ahead, but yeah, obviously, the main goal is trying to get signed, trying to make the team coming out of here. I think I have abilities to play in the NHL, whether that's soon or in a couple of years down the road, but just trying to do absolutely everything I can."
While he did well in drills and games, the Penguins decided the 19-year-old defenseman required more development in the juniors.
Beauchesne will be back for his third season with the Storm in Guelph, where he will be relied upon to assume an increased role on the blue line.
He had six goals and 24 points in 49 contests during his last campaign, and the Penguins will look to him to continue developing both his offensive savviness and defensive dependability prior to hitting the pros.
While his stay in camp with the Penguins has ended for the time being, Beauchesne made a very strong impression. If he keeps working on that all-situational game of his in Guelph, it will not be long before serious thought is given to him on the NHL level.
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