The Pittsburgh Penguins signed free-agent forward Anthony Beauvillier to a one-year deal on July 1 valued at $1.25 million. He's been in the NHL for eight seasons, dressing seven with the New York Islanders, followed by brief stints with the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Nashville Predators.
In 550 games, he's tallied 116 goals, 130 assists, and 246 points. Besides being a division rival for seven seasons, what else is there to know about his career on and off the ice?
Beauvillier Was a QMAAA Most Valuable Player
Before the New York Islanders drafted Beauvillier in the first round (28th overall) of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he played minor and junior hockey in his native Quebec.
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
At 16, he scored 64 points in 41 games with College Antonie-Girouard Gaulois in the QMAAA. Beauvillier was awarded the league's Most Valuable Player Trophy for his efforts and named to the First All-Star Team.
Two seasons later, in the QMJHL, he was a member of the Second All-Star Team, plus skated in the CHL Top Prospects Game. In 2016, Beauvillier led the league in playoff goals with 15.
Represented Canada Several Times at the Junior Level
Beauvillier's junior career with Team Canada was short. He participated in the WHC-17 tournament 2014 and had four points in six games. In the following campaign, he had three points in six games at the World Junior U18 event.
He only played on the U20 World Junior team once, in 2016, and scored a single goal in five contests. Beauvillier graduated to the men's World Championship lineup in 2018 with three points in nine games.
He has an Ivan Hlinka Memorial Gold Medal and a U18 WJC Bronze Medal on his mantle at home.
Active Supporter of Alzheimer's Causes
When Beauvillier isn't playing hockey, he supports causes for Alzheimer's, which honor his late grandfather, who was diagnosed with the incurable disease.
One of his most significant contributions was the Spike for Alz charity Spikeball tournament in 2018. Thanks to the help of several other NHL stars like Erik Karlsson, the event raised over $10,000.
In 2019, Beauvillier organized another event, which earned an honor from the Alzheimer's Society of Montreal.
