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Canadiens Prospect Owen Beck Looks to Remain in Montreal

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The Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck has been enjoying success in his first season after junior. With the Laval Rocket, Beck has registered 32 points in 47 games. These are some solid numbers for a player who just turned 21 years old in his first full season playing professionally. He is also more so known for his defensive game. This year, however, he has shown that he does have some offensive flare to his game. Therefore, let’s take a look at why Owen Beck will remain a Montreal Canadien down the stretch and not return to Laval.

The Montreal Canadiens Kirby Dach Injury Replacement Owen Beck

Beck has played in six NHL games this year for the Canadiens. He received very limited minutes and as a result, didn’t find the scoresheet. With his most recent call-up, Beck looks to make his mark and remain in Montreal long-term.

The Canadiens announced earlier in the week that forward Kirby Dach has sustained a lower-body injury. The extent of the injury has not yet been revealed but Dach didn’t play in Tuesday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Owen Beck was expected to start as the second line centre in his place. He played mostly with Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook in the 4-0 victory.

If Dach is out long-term there is a hole down the middle for Montreal. Michael Pezzetta has fallen out of favour in Montreal, which means that Beck will be slotting into the lineup instead. The only forward who played centre on the roster outside of the team’s current trio would be Alex Newhook. Unless they decide to move him into the middle, we will see Beck play in his natural position down the middle moving forward.

With the Jake Evans, Joel Armia, and Emil Heineman trio being so successful, Beck will likely maintain a middle-six role. During his previous NHL stints, he hasn’t had the opportunity to play with offensive players. With Dach being out, it is very likely he will finally get that opportunity.

Trade Deadline Creates Roster Holes

The Montreal Canadiens are a team to watch at the NHL Trade Deadline. The team has several pending UFAs likely to be moved, including forwards Evans, Armia, and Christian Dvorak.

Their departures leave three holes in the team’s lineup. For this reason, if Dach’s injury extends past the March 7th deadline, Owen Beck will likely finish the season as a Canadien.

The Canadiens will need depth down the middle if they ship Evans and Dvorak. They don’t have many centremen in the system who are as good of 200-foot players as Beck. With Laval atop the AHL standings, they can afford to lose Beck’s services until playoff time. As for Montreal, they may need Owen Beck more than ever after this year’s deadline.

Owen Beck has Proven Himself

Beck has proven himself a reliable forward in his first pro season. We have seen him grow his offensive game in Laval, and we are starting to see it translate to the NHL level. His previous stint in Montreal showed glimpses of his offensive capabilities. It’s only a matter of time before he starts producing, and this will be his biggest opportunity to do so.

With this being his third call-up of the season, it’s obvious that Beck has gained the trust and the confidence of the Canadiens staff. Where he will slot into the lineup is yet to be seen but this should be his best chance at making his mark in the NHL thus far in his young career. The Montreal Canadiens have a promising young talent in Owen Beck. He should be in the NHL for a long time and that all begins now.

Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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