The Montreal Canadiens' selection of Nathan Beaulieu with the 17th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft is a subject of reflection, especially considering his recent retirement from professional hockey. While Beaulieu's NHL career didn't reach the heights expected of a mid-first-round pick, the outcome could have been considerably worse for the Canadiens.

Beaulieu, a defenseman with offensive upside, had a promising junior career, winning the 2011 Memorial Cup with the Saint John Sea Dogs and earning a spot on the tournament's all-star team. Expectations were high when he joined the Canadiens organization, but he struggled to consistently translate his skills to the NHL level.

Beaulieu played five seasons with the Canadiens, from 2012-13 to 2016-17, recording 7 goals, 53 assists, and a plus-19 rating in 225 games. While he showed flashes of potential, he was often criticized for defensive lapses and inconsistent play. Ultimately, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres in 2017 for a third-round pick.

After leaving Montreal, Beaulieu had stints with the Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, and Anaheim Ducks. His most recent NHL season was in 2022-23 with the Ducks, where he had four assists in 52 games. He then played overseas in Switzerland and the KHL before injuries hampered his final season. In 471 career NHL games, Beaulieu recorded 12 goals and 86 assists.

While Beaulieu's career didn't live up to the initial expectations, it's important to consider the context of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and the players selected around him. Several players picked in the same range as Beaulieu also failed to become impactful NHL players. In hindsight, the Canadiens could have drafted a more successful player, but it's equally true that they could have made a far worse selection. Drafting is an inexact science, and many factors contribute to a player's development and ultimate success.

The Canadiens' "misfire" with Beaulieu highlights the challenges of drafting and player development. While it's natural to focus on the players who exceed expectations, it's equally important to remember that many highly touted prospects don't pan out. Beaulieu had a decent NHL career, playing over 400 games, which is more than many draft picks achieve. While he wasn't a star, he contributed to the teams he played for and carved out a respectable career.

Ultimately, the Canadiens' selection of Nathan Beaulieu can be viewed as a missed opportunity, but not a complete disaster. He played several seasons in Montreal and was later traded for a valuable asset. While the Canadiens undoubtedly hoped for more when they drafted him, the situation could have been much worse.