Having too many NHL-ready players is a great problem to have, and that is exactly where the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at training camp. To start, the Canadiens’ forward group is already a tight-knit group, with nearly everyone returning. Then they added Chris Kreider after the Anaheim Ducks terminated his contract, leaving little room for players trying to make the roster. This has not discouraged Florian Xhekaj and Owen Beck, who have been very good this preseason. Xhekaj’s path is a little clearer than Beck’s, as he brings energy, grit, and physicality, which the Canadiens lack in their lineup. Beck’s path to the NHL will be more difficult. The Canadiens have a lot of depth at centre, which limits Beck’s opportunity, but that does not mean he is not ready to make the jump right now.
Owen Beck believes he is ready for the NHL
The Canadiens will likely start the season with Nick Suzuki, Oliver Kapanen, Alex Newhook/Kirby Dach, and Jake Evans as their centres. If Beck makes the team, it would likely be as an extra forward. While that may not be beneficial for his long-term development, he believes he has what it takes to make the NHL. “I belong in the NHL, I'm an impactful NHL-level player. I'm confident in my abilities, I know I can bring value to a team, and I just want to showcase that," said Beck at the start of training camp. He has been used sparingly as a call-up the last two seasons, playing 12 games with the Canadiens in 2024-25 and 15 this past season. He now believes he is ready to be a full-time member of the team’s roster.
This is not the first time Beck has come close to making the Canadiens’ roster. He has been knocking on the door for the last three seasons, but he will not let the past results discourage him. “It's been a couple of years, I've tried to do what I can to make an impact at every training camp and it feels like the same situation year after year, but I want to work on my game every day and hopefully break through at some point,” said Beck. Beck has put in the work. He has 77 points in 122 games over the last two seasons with the Laval Rocket. If this were three or four years ago, Beck would be a shoo-in to make the roster, but the Canadiens are no longer in the rebuild stage. They are trying to build a roster capable of competing for the Stanley Cup.
If not now for Beck, then when?
Even if Beck does not make the team out of training camp, that does not rule out the possibility that we will see him on the roster by the end of the season. Injuries are a big part of the game, and with the number of games increasing to 84 this season, if someone goes down, he will likely be the first name called upon. If not, and while Beck probably does not want to hear this, there is always next season. Phillip Danault and Dach will be unrestricted free agents next season, and it is very possible both players could be playing elsewhere, opening the door for Beck if he has an excellent season with the Rocket.
Roster moves could also open the door for Beck. The Canadiens continue to be a team included in trade rumours, whether it is for a Kiril Marchenko, Dylan Larkin, or Mark Scheifele. If a deal does materialize, there is a chance a roster player or two could be included, opening up a spot for Beck. There is also the possibility Beck himself could be included in a trade to land a star player. Teams will look for NHL-ready prospects in return for one of their best players, and Beck fits that bill. His future is that of an NHL player; it remains to be seen if that is with the Canadiens or somewhere else.
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