Utah HC Prospect Update: Cole Beaudoin
Utah’s Second 1st Rounder Continuing to Impress
Cole Beaudoin entered the 2024 NHL Entry Draft as one of the most intriguing power forward prospects in the class. When Utah HC’s General Manager Bill Armstrong traded up to select Beaudoin 24th overall, it wasn’t just about adding size and grit to the organization. Armstrong envisioned Beaudoin as a foundational player—someone who embodies the hard-working, relentless culture he’s building in Utah.
Known for his two-way game, physicality, and work ethic, Beaudoin has more than lived up to expectations so far. His performance at the World U18 Championship, where he played a shutdown role in Canada’s gold medal win, showcased his ability to excel under pressure, and earned himself an invite to Canada’s U20 WJC camp. This season, Beaudoin has continued to develop his game with the Barrie Colts in the OHL, demonstrating why Utah HC fans should be excited about his future.
2024-2025 League Play
Beaudoin’s play with Barrie this season has been nothing short of impressive. He’s picking up right where he left off, playing a massive role as the Colts’ top center. He’s tasked with everything from anchoring the top penalty-kill unit to driving the play on the power play. Simply put, Beaudoin is the Colts’ “Mr. Everything.”
His relentless work ethic remains his calling card. Whether it’s battling in the corners, creating chaos in front of the net, or making life miserable for opponents on the penalty kill, Beaudoin does it all. He’s a load to handle in the hard areas, with a heavy shot and a newly improved one-timer on the power play that makes him even more dangerous offensively. His playmaking has taken a noticeable step forward, as he’s showing more creativity and vision with the puck than in previous seasons, pulling off some eye-popping passes.
However, his skating remains a work in progress. Beaudoin’s wide stance and choppy strides make for an awkward-looking skating style, but it’s deceptively effective. He’s strong on his skates, balanced, and covers ground quickly, even if it’s not the prettiest to watch. His mobility and technical mechanics will need refinement to succeed at the NHL level, but his physical strength and determination allow him to compensate for now.
Barrie’s penalty kill is second-best in the league, and Beaudoin’s aggressive, active style is a big reason why. He’s constantly pressuring opponents, winning battles, and clearing pucks with no-nonsense efficiency. His dedication to both ends of the ice makes him a player who coaches trust in every situation.
The statistical results, so far, are highly encouraging. He has scored 13 goals, along with 16 assists for 29 points in just 24 games played. He has a 35 goal, 43 assist, 78 point pace over 64 games, which would be good for a 30% improvement over his 62 points in 67 games played last season.
WJC Preview
Unlike his fellow Utah HC 1st-rounder Tij Iginla (out for the season, recovering from hip-surgery) , Cole Beaudoin has been invited to Team Canada’s World Junior Championship camp, and he’s expected to make the final roster. Beaudoin’s combination of size, strength, and reliability makes him a perfect fit for the role of a defensive center and penalty-killing specialist—a role he excelled in during Canada’s gold medal run at the U18s.
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