The 2019-20 NHL season was a year of terrific growth for Anthony Beauvillier. The Québec native was drafted 28th overall in the 2015 Entry Draft. For years, fans were left wondering if he was a fluke. However, he showed inconsistent, yet promising signs of growth in the 2018-19 season. This season, however, he showed the world what he was made of.

The Good:

There’s a lot to digest here. Before the season hiatus, Beauvillier matched his 2018-19 goal total, with 18. However, this season he completely exploded in terms of assists. Prior to the pause, he totaled 18 goals and 39 points. From the eye test, Beauvillier looked like he properly understood the Barry Trotz system better than he did last year. Barry Trotz is definitely bringing out the best in the young forward and will be pushing him even harder for him to potentially become a first-line talent in the future.

The Bad:

Adjusted for the remainder of games, Beauvillier was on track for a 47-point season. While this isn’t a necessarily bad number, many fans have hopes for him to be a solid-first liner to pair with Barzal. Playing on a line with better players does result in a higher point total, but if he wants to prove he is a lock-in for that coveted first-line spot, he must prove it to team management and fans alike.
His +/- was a miserable -11. While some people dislike the statistic, it has its place in showing how a player performs in a group. Every player has their responsibilities within their respective lines, but this shows Beauvillier isn’t a star player to be able to pick up the slack from teammates. Not entirely his fault, but nothing in sport is ever only one person’s fault.

The Expectations:

Beauvillier had high expectations coming into the season given his up-and-down previous season. He met the expectations but did not necessarily go above and beyond. With that being said, he has definitely proven his role on the roster and his potential to continue to improve his game even further. His expectations are going to be much higher come 2020-21, and he will meet them.

The Highlight:

On December 2nd, the Islanders visited the Detroit Red Wings and defeated them, 4-1. Anthony Beauvillier scored one of the Islanders’ four goals, and it was on a beautiful move. He had a breakaway opportunity and deked out Red Wings goaltender Jonathan Bernier to make it 2-0 in the first period.

The Verdict:

Overall, Beauvillier has proven his role on the team and will be looking to improve upon that role come next season. He definitely has it in him to become a proper first-liner, and hopefully Trotz will play around with the lines to see how he works with Barzal.

The Grade: 92/A-

John Smark