He started the season with the Colorado Eagles in the ECHL and quickly found his rhythm, recording 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in his first 16 contests. The Longueuil, Quebec, native was recalled to the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League on Nov. 22 and registered three points (one goal, two assists) in his first six games in the AHL.
There are a few familiar faces for him in San Antonio, as fellow Avs prospects Julien Nantel and A.J. Greer both played with him in Rouyn-Noranda when the team won the President's Cup during the 2015-16 season.
Beaudin, whose full first name is Jean-Christophe, had 82 points (33 goals, 49 assists) that campaign and followed it up with 80 points (30 goals, 50 assists) last year. The Huskies won their division but couldn't defend their league championship, ending their season in the second round of the playoffs.
"We had a pretty good season," Beaudin said of his third year with the Huskies during development camp. "We finished second in the league. Unfortunately, we lost in the second round of the playoffs, but in general it was a great year. I had a lot of fun and I learned a lot.
"A good group of guys, a good coaching staff. It was a good year and great experience once again."
On March 6, 2017, the forward signed a three-year, entry-level contract through the 2019-20 season with the Avalanche.
"For sure I was happy," he said of being offered the contract. "I had a good couple of seasons, so I was expecting a contract, honestly. When I received the offer and me and my agent decided to sign it, I was really, really happy. I made a lot of sacrifices, and my parents too, so it was rewarding."
In September, he came to training camp ready to make a name for himself and played in the Avs' preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 19. Colorado's lineup in the contest featured several young players vying for a spot on the team.
"We felt they earned a game," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said of playing a fair amount of rookies in the outing after the matchup. "We looked at them last year in development camp and there are things certain things players have done to earn a chance to play an exhibition game. It's a good chance to evaluate them to see where they are at."
Beaudin registered two shots and two hits as he logged 15:32 of ice time in the contest. The center also won six of the eight faceoffs he took.
"I just want to go out there and give my 100 percent. I want the team to win and I want, if I can, to have a shot to play a couple games in the NHL this year," said Beaudin. "We'll see what happens."
