Anthony Beauvillier will always be a legend in these parts, regardless of what jersey he is donning.
Drafted 28th overall in 2015 by the New York Islanders, Beauvillier played 457 regular season games in the Blue & Orange, with 119 goals and 131 assists for 250 points.
But, where he left his mark was in the playoffs, as he scored the overtime game-winner to force a Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals:
On Jan. 30, 2023, the Islanders sent Beauvilllier, top prospect Aatu Raty, and their 2023 first-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks for Bo Horvat.
Since then, Beauvillier has bounced around, being dealt to the Chicago Blackhawks early in the 2023-24 season before reuniting with Barry Trotz and the Nashville Predators at the 2024 Trade Deadline.
Related: Former Islanders Beauvillier & Trotz Reunite In Nashville After Trade With Chicago
This summer, he signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins and will face his former Islanders teammates tonight at UBS Arena for the fourth time.
Following Pittsburgh’s morning skate, SportsNet Pittsburgh’s reporter Hailey Hunter sat down with Beauvillier to get his thoughts on being back on Long Island.
“It definitely still feels a little bit weird to be on the other side, but it’s always great,” Beauvillier told Hunter. “So many good memories here in the city, in this building, just opening night here, and everything that surrounds here.
“I have so many good memories with these people over there. And, yeah, it feels weird to be on the other side, but it’s fun to come back.”
Does having played with so many of these guys help Beauvillier when he has to go up against them?
“I guess it could help a little bit. The game happens so fast out there,” Beauvillier said. “But, definitely, some muscle memories of what they do maybe can help.”
Beauvillier did have the opportunity to catch up with a few former teammates on Monday night.
“I did get to see a couple of guys last night,” Beauvillier said. “It was good to get in touch with them and have a good dinner.
“I saw Barzal, Josh Bailey, who still lives here, Noah Dobson, and Pageau.”
Although he already got his tribute video, he’s likley to get a round of applause at some point for scoring one of the biggest Islanders goals of the last decade.
