Former Winnipeg Jets defenseman Nathan Beaulieu has unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NHL at the very young age of 32. Former Winnipeg Jets defenceman Nathan Beaulieu has <a href='https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/former-montreal-canadiens-winnipeg-jets-d-nathan-beaulieu-announces-retirement-1.2338279' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>retired from pro hockey at age 32</a>, the NHLPA announced. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/NHLPA/status/1948021157107499101'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> A former first-round pick, Nathan Beaulieu was drafted 17th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2011 NHL Draft after a standout junior career with the QMJHL's Saint John Sea Dogs. He led the team to a Memorial Cup and was an All-Star at the tournament. <a href='https://www.nhl.com/player/nathan-beaulieu-8476470' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Beaulieu</a> played in 471 NHL games over 11 seasons with the Canadiens, Sabres, Jets, and Ducks. <h3>Beaulieu played 124 games for Jets over four seasons</h3> He played in 124 games for the Jets between 2018 and 2022, playing steady minutes on the third pairing and getting playoff time when Winnipeg qualified for the postseason. While his physical, stay-at-home style translated well to the NHL, Beaulieu never quite achieved his junior offensive potential. The best season he had was with Montreal in 2016-17, when he accumulated 28 points in 74 games while averaging over 19 minutes of ice time per night. After leaving the NHL in 2023, Beaulieu played overseas for Switzerland's EHC Kloten prior to signing in the KHL and Slovak Extraliga. Injuries and off-ice issues with his clubs meant that he played only briefly, however. He finishes his NHL career with 12 goals, 86 assists, and 98 points, as well as five points in 21 playoff games. Throughout all of the ups and downs, Beaulieu was a well-regarded depth defender throughout his career. Best wishes to Beaulieu in retirement.