Erik Johnson-Francois Beauchemin: Predictions

Francois Beauchemin

Apr 20, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin (23) stretches prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets in game three of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

2014-15 Stats:

Last Season:

Francois Beauchemin had a stellar year with the Anaheim Ducks last season. He’s not known for being an offensive defenseman, yet he earned 26 points in just 64 games. Beauchemin led the Ducks in ice time, with an average 22:44 minutes in the regular season and 25:24 in the playoffs. He was second on the team for blocked shots with 107 and hits with 105.

Beauchemin, besides displaying a solid +17 rating, did well in terms of fancy stats as well. According to the Anaheim Ducks website, his total shooting percentage and save percentage while in the ice (PDO) was 101.2, which is positive. He also earned a 50.1 Corsi for percentage.

Questions for the Upcoming Season:

When a player is 35 years old, the question is always about his age. Last season was a career year for Francois Beauchemin, and he shows no indication of slowing down. However, there’s no question he’s on the downward curve of his career. Have the Avalanche signed yet another aging defenseman who will fail to produce?

The main question for me is whether Beauchemin is going to find chemistry with proposed defensive partner Erik Johnson.

Predictions:

It’s hard to say if Beauchemin will have another career season concerning points. Paired with Erik Johnson, he’s going to be expected to play stay-at-home defense when EJ pinches in.

Concerning the question of chemistry, Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm spent a lot of time skating with Beauchemin last season. Lindholm is a big two-way defenseman similar to Johnson in some respects. I foresee the veteran Beauchemin adapting to Johnson’s style.

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