Developing a new culture is a big reason why the Utah Hockey Club traded a number of picks for the opportunity to select Cole Beaudoin with the 24th pick. Utah had had its eye on him for some time, and his selection represents an emerging culture shift on the newest NHL team.

Beaudoin's connections to Utah

Beaudoin's story in Salt Lake City doesn't start on draft day. Although he's never been to Salt Lake City personally, his father Eric played for the Utah Grizzlies when they were in the American Hockey League (AHL), scoring 21 points in 44 games. It will be good for the franchise if its new fans have a somewhat local face to cheer for.

Related: Tij Iginla goes his own way with Utah

Although he has never been to Salt Lake City, he is excited to meet the team and the city and is looking forward to having the opportunity to experience it.

“I don't know much about it (Salt Lake City), but I can't wait to be there,” Beaudoin said. “Just being around everyone and getting to know the area.”

Leading the new culture

With greater stability in ownership, it's no surprise that Utah is getting bolder with its transactions. It started with general manager Bill Armstrong pulling off a trade to move up and select Cole. It continued with the trades for John Marino and Mikhail Sergachev. The team is clearly committed to building a culture focused on winning.

“His work ethic could change the culture of our organization,” Armstrong said. “Just how hard he plays.”

With the departure of Conor Geekie as part of the Mikhail Sergachev trade to Tampa, Utah will now rely even more heavily on Beaudoin to bolster center depth for the future. It's a sign that while Utah is close to the playoff window, they're still working on the team's youth and culture to create a winning atmosphere, and that starts with players like Beaudoin.

Most experts predicted Beaudoin would be drafted in the 30s. His strong offense and two-way play were some of the main assets of his game. He is also a well-built player who provides a physical presence. His other big compliment is that he brings leadership qualities to the teams he plays on.

The main criticisms of Beaudoin are his speed and sometimes sluggish play, but if he is as dedicated and excited to play for Utah as he says he is, this is an easily fixable trait.

Much like Tij Iginla, who was drafted right before him, Beaudoin feels Utah is the perfect fit for him. A new franchise for a new chapter in his career.

“It's incredible, obviously,” Beaudoin said. “It's a new franchise and I'm the second overall pick and it's incredible just to think about it. I can't wait to see everyone, including Iginla. I played with him, so I can't wait to see him and meet with him.”

While Iginla and Logan Cooley could be the two best centers for Utah going forward, Beaudoin will ultimately play a crucial role in the forward depth needed to win the Stanley Cup. His character and drive to play his best hockey are what attracted Utah to sign him, and these two traits are much needed to build a winning culture.

When asked what Utah fans should know about him, Beaudoin promised to give them and the team everything he has in the tank when he's on the ice, an early sign of someone committed to helping Utah succeed in its early years.

“I want Utah to know that I'm going to be the player that gives everything he's got,” Beaudoin said. “Whether it's in practice or in games or whatever, I'm going to give everything I've got and I want to show them that.”

Beaudoin will most likely return to the Barrie Colts to play his second season, but his drive and passion, as well as his ties to Salt Lake City, will ensure Utah's locker room will be a draw when he finally steps on the Delta Center ice for the first time.