Owen Beck had seduced Martin St-Louis, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton in mid-September thanks to his intelligence at the center during the rookie tournament in Buffalo and such a good camp with the Canadian.
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Beck, a second-round pick (33e in total) in the 2022 draft at the Bell Centre, had returned to the road for Mississauga in the Ontario Junior League with the feeling of accomplishment. He had left more than a nice business card.
Four months later, it still is. Beck could knock sooner rather than later on the door of the CH. After Nick Suzuki, there is a black hole at center position.
Sean Monahan, still on the injured list, has no contract for next season and could be used as bargaining chip. Christian Dvorak does not have the talent to fill the role of second center and Jake Evans remains a fourth center.
Before hitting the ice for a practice with the Peterborough Petes on Wednesday afternoon, Beck opened up about his future plans in a phone interview at Log.
“I like to believe that I can become a pro next year, especially with the direction the Canadiens are taking, where the team trusts the youngsters,” said the Ontarian.
Don’t bet against him
It’s not just Beck who believes in this possibility. James Richmond, general manager of the Mississauga Steelheads, has the same vision. Richmond traded his 18-year-old center on his return from the Junior World Championship to the Peterborough Petes.
“I wouldn’t bet against Owen Beck,” the Steelheads GM told TSN. I believe he will play in Montreal next season. »
“That’s a nice compliment from James,” Beck replied when asked about the prediction. But I also believe in it. I had a good rookie tournament and a good camp in Montreal. I stayed with the Canadiens for a long time at camp. I wasn’t that far. With another year of experience in the OHL, I’ll be even more ready to make the leap to the pros. »
A gold medal
It’s not just Joshua Roy who won gold with Team Canada as a Habs prospect. Beck also experienced this feeling. But in a much more limited role.
Cut off by Team Canada officials, the center was urgently recalled on 1er January to replace Colton Dach, who suffered a shoulder injury in a match against Sweden.
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Beck will have finally participated in the last three games, against Slovakia, the United States and the Czech Republic. Used primarily in a role of 13e forward, he got a pass.
“When I got cut, they just told me I was going to get another chance next year. There hadn’t been a big speech and I didn’t know I was the waiting player,” he clarified.
“I ended up getting a call back and for me it was a dream come true. When I was younger, I imagined myself with the Canadian team at the Junior World Championships and I received the gold medal at the end of the tournament. I accomplished both goals. It was a fantastic experience. I will never forget this tournament. »
New start
By the end of the season, Beck will focus his energies with his new team, the Petes.
“I was sad and disappointed to leave Mississauga,” he said. I made my OHL debut with this organization, I just wore this jersey. However, I am excited to start a new chapter in Peterborough. I will have the chance to play for a better team. The Petes will want to win the championship. »
More offensive
Author of 51 points (21 goals, 30 assists) in 2021-2022 in Mississauga, Beck has practically surpassed those numbers this year after just 30 games.
He scored 17 goals and had 40 points.
“I wanted to become more offensive this season,” he said. There were several questions before the draft about my offensive potential. Even after my selection in the second round, I was still reading reviews about my attacking game. My objective was to change this discourse. I wanted to prove that I can be very threatening offensively in addition to playing very well defensively. »
When Beck has a goal in mind, he tends to achieve it. He could therefore mix the cards at the next Habs camp.