One prospect on the cusp of the Montreal Canadiens: Owen Beck

Owen Beck isn't on many Montreal Canadiens fans' radar, but what he is doing is worthy of notice.

Beck has been one of the best Rocket players, period, and in his debut professional season, he has shown all the elements needed to be National Hockey league centre. The 2022 33rd overall selection is impressive on draws, and he battles hard for loose pucks. This puts his linemates in an optimal position for odd-man rushes, and Beck's speed is a nice compliment to support the attack.

With Kirby Dach struggling hard, and Beck thriving with the Rocket it led to a discussion on The Sick Podcast - Recrutes Draftcast about Beck. Grant McCagg and his colleague Shayne Gaumond ponder if Beck could unseat Dach from the second line centre role. I personally think that Beck is more of a third line centre type, but it is still early in his development.

The prospect of Beck playing second line centre, would force him to do a lot offensively to support the top six. I know Beck has the speed, the shot and the skills, but that is pretty high expectations for him. At least right away, anyways.

But if it means his development doesn't hit a wall, and he continues to develop at a good pace the challenge could help mould him into a reliable option for Martin St Louis. If the offense does translate it would be nice, seeing as he has a lethal shot and is a smart passer. Beck is currently sporting a 7-13-20 statline through 26 games, not bad for the 20-year-old, who is regarded for his defensive efforts.

I think that Dach's future ends up on the wing, and then Michael Hage slots in at one or two, and then Nick Suzuki on the opposite line. Beck slots in at three, and you say goodbye to Christian Dvorak for a younger and more talented option. Jake Evans to me is the prototypical fourth-line centre, and he is a guy that Kent Hughes should keep around.

The once problematic centre corps of the Montreal Canadiens is a thing of the past, Hughes and Jeff Gorton have things handled.

The future is bright

Beck is doing his thing in the AHL, and Logan Mailloux is ironing out some kinks in his game; as far as I'm concerned management has to be happy about the future. Sure it isn't very much fun right now watching the team struggle, but there is a process that requires patience to achieve success. Long-term success is the end goal, and it will stand the test of time.

David Reinbacher hasn't played due to injury, but he has shown promise and looks to be a part of the Canadiens blueline of the future. Filip Mesar has been hurt, but he is hoping to make an impact, and Jared Davidson and Joshua Roy have been studs for Laval. I didn't even mention Jakub Dobes or Adam Engstrom, who has been impressive and that's just guys in Laval.

Overseas the Canadiens have Ivan Demidov, I'm sure you all remember the Canadiens 2024 fifth-overall selection, announced by Canadian music royalty Celine Dion. The guy who appears to be one of the next great Russian players coming along. Demidov has the makings of a star, and he is one of the most anticipated prospects since Guy Lafleur.

Hage has been a menace at the centre position for his Michigan University Wolverines squad in his freshman season. The Canadiens 2024 21 overall selection has scored 10-8-18 through his first 15 games of college hockey. At 6-foot-1 and 190 lbs, Hage has some room to add muscle, but his speed and shiftiness already look to be at a level that will challenge NHL defenseman.

And, for me, one of the most important pieces for the entire organization is the guy who wears a mask and stands between the pipes. Carey Price for many years was the Canadiens' best player, but his brilliant career was wasted by Marc Bergevin's inability to build a Stanley Cup-calibre roster. The team is being built methodically, piece-by-piece and Jacob Fowler will be the netminder.

Fowler is the next guy, and his college dominance is no mistake. He shouldn't be rushed to Montreal or Laval, even if he proves that he is ready; I think that the slow introduction to Laval first is best. I have confidence that Fowler is going to be the Habs' No.1 guy for a long time, so ensuring he is prepared is integral for the Habs' future.

Montreal still has two first-round selections in the 2025 draft, so there is a good chance that the team will be in an even better place this time next year.