Major Statement From Canadiens Top Prospect Owen Beck: He is Committed to Beating All the Odds and Making the Team's Roster Out of Training Camp

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Aaron
September 9, 2023 (2:55 PM)

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Owen Beck may have only played one game in the NHL in his career, but that doesn't stop him from thinking big. The young man, who was in Washington this week for a promotional tour organized by the Upper Deck company, spoke about his goals for the upcoming campaign, and he wants more!

Indeed, the now 19-year-old forward sees himself very well wearing the Blue-White-Red uniform from the beginning of the next season. However, he knows it will not be easy and the competition will be fierce.

"Yes, I still believe in it. Nothing is impossible. I know it's very difficult to reach the NHL at the age of 19. There are few players who do it. I'm giving myself every chance. I had a good summer training. I would like to have another good camp. However, I will listen to the recommendations of the Canadiens' leaders, I know they will make the best decision for my development."

- Owen Beck

The chances of seeing the 2nd round pick (33rd overall) from the 2022 draft with the CH next season are, however, very slim. Montreal already has a very well-stocked center line with Nick Suzuki, Sean Monahan, Christian Dvorak, and Jake Evans. Not to mention Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook, who can both play in that position. It is more likely that Beck will play in the OHL next season.

Indeed, due to his age, he will not be able to play in the AHL, while the two options will be the CH or the Canadian league. Therefore, he really needs to impress the club's management if he no longer wishes to play in minor hockey this season.

Beck had a tremendous 2022-2023 season, where he won a gold medal with Team Canada, played his first game in the NHL, won a championship in the OHL with Peterborough, and participated in the Memorial Cup in Kamloops. However, he knows that the pressure will be even greater in a few days, as he will be in action in the CH camp.

"It's true that there will be more expectations,"

"I will want to play like last year without asking myself too many questions, but I will still have in mind the goal I want to achieve (playing in the NHL)"

-Owen Beck

While many think that the young Ontarian still needs to develop his offensive side, it should be remembered that he accumulated 17 goals and 24 assists in 30 games with the Mississauga Steelheads, where he was used mainly in an offensive role. His role with Peterborough, after the trade, switched to the defense-first. However, Beck was able to accumulate 7 goals and 18 assists in 30 games in this new role.

One more season in the juniors to prove that he can generate offense certainly won't hurt!

A story to follow in the coming days...