Francois Beauchemin Could Aid the Anaheim Ducks in Their Defensive Development

Former Anaheim Ducks defenseman, Francois Beauchemin, is taking on a bigger role with the club as of this summer. His wisdom of the game could aid in the Ducks defensive development.

The end of the Anaheim Ducks 2017-18 season was bittersweet for a variety of reason. However, saying goodbye to a fan favorite was likely the most bittersweet moment of them all. Although the timing was perfect for veteran defenseman, Francois Beauchemin to retire, watching him raise his stick one last time in salute to the fans invoked many emotions. We had been used to seeing him come and go during his three sperate stints with the organization, but retirement seemed so final.

However, with a player who is as passionate about the game of hockey as Beauch, it was no surprise when Bob Murray offered him the opportunity to stay on with the organization in a small role that he could fulfill from his new home in Quebec.

Throughout the 2018-19 season, he essentially acted as Murray’s eyes and ears in the QMJHL. Not only did he keep an eye on the development of our prospects but he acted as a mentor and was able to impart years of wisdom to the future hopeful Anaheim Ducks.

When Prospect Development Camp began, and photos of Francois Beauchemin at Great Park Ice surfaced, the news that he has an active role as an instructor during the camp was a welcomed announcement. In fact, according to Elliot Teaford of the Orange County Register, Beauchemin will be joining the Anaheim Ducks hockey operations department:

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"“Francois Beauchemin, who retired after the 2017-18 season following a career that included three stints with the Ducks, has been among the instructors during the camp. He’s expected to join the hockey operations department in a role that’s still being defined… It’s likely he will be hired to assits Todd Marchant, the Ducks’ director of player development.” -Elliot Teaford, Orange County Register"

Todd Marchant has done a terrific job aiding in the development of the Anaheim Ducks prospects over the past several years. He makes sure that their transition into this new journey is smooth and has as little roadblocks as possible. It is clear that he is genuinely invested in the future of the Anaheim Ducks and adding Francois Beauchemin to his team is an incredibly sound decision.

The Blueline Needs Some Help

From the way things ended last season, it is clear that there need to be a few changes when it comes to the development of the Anaheim Ducks blueline. Of course, a lot of that can be chalked up to bad coaching, but even still, when Randy Carlyle was relieved of his duties there were still blatant issues with the defensive core.

The Ducks have had the tendency to rush their players in the past. This leads to developmental issues both on and off the ice. On the blueline, both Cam Fowler and Brandon Montour are the perfect examples. Both are great players, but when it all comes down to it, their development came to a point where it completely stalled.

Bob Murray has made it clear that he will not be making that mistake any longer, and hopefully, he stays accountable and sticks to that promise. Bringing in someone like Beauch is the first step in ensuring that doesn’t happen again, especially with the prospects they’ve drafted as defensemen.

Francois Beauchemin is a Great Decision for the Ducks Defensive Development

Francois Beauchemin is one of the final three players from the Anaheim Ducks 2007 Cup Team to play for the club. Throughout his entire hockey career, he played with his heart and soul. Not once did anyone doubt his dedication to the sport. Although his final season with the Ducks was rather rough, father time is no respecter of persons, he is still known as one of the greats!

While Beauchemin can certainly teach them how to be a good defenseman at the NHL level, the Anaheim Ducks already know their prospects have the skill set to succeed, and with a little more time and work, they’ll be ready in a few years time. However, Beauchemin will up the ante and teach them how to be great men with strong moral fiber, and if that translates into their game, they will be phenomenal hockey players.

He will teach our prospects on how to be grounded and sensible. They will lean on him for understanding as he teaches them how to be tough, stand their ground, and never give in under the pressure. The fire in their eyes fueled by determination will be reminiscent of the familiar flame of the once great Francois Beauchemin.

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