A Winning Habit
Fansided

Montreal Canadiens: Five Bold Predictions For 2023-24 Season

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol

OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 28: Owen Beck #62 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on January 28, 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, CANADA - JANUARY 28: Owen Beck #62 of the Montreal Canadiens skates against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on January 28, 2023 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Jan 28, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Owen Beck. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2023; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens center Owen Beck. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

Owen Beck Leapfrogs Jake Evans On Centre Depth Chart

Owen Beck showed up to training camp last year, and his skating and motor instantly stood out. He looked comfortable and exhibited a maturity in his game that goes beyond his years. His responsible two-way play and faceoff prowess stand out and are the big reason that he was one of the Canadien’s final cuts, getting a very long look as an 18 year old center.

He also made his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators last season, and he didn’t look out of place. I predict that he will leapfrog Evans, and play centre on the third line, at least until Christian Dvorak returns.

He hasn’t exactly exploded at the OHL level on the scoresheet, but he has proven to be a good playmaker, and while his shot isn’t a strength, it has some zip. If he can increase his shooting and continue his smart play, he could, conceivably, secure third-line centre duties.

Playing on a line with Juraj Slafkovsky and Brendan Gallagher could be a great way for the two young guys to benefit from Gallagher’s knowledge. It’s an exciting time for the Canadiens, and a glimpse into the future could present itself earlier than expected, I think Beck could prove to be a great fit.

A healthy Gallagher and Slafkovsky paired with a mature centre who plays feisty, could be the makings of a relentless line that drives opponents nuts and can produce offence in the dirty areas. I love Beck’s game, and I think this would be a fun third line.

Home/Habs News