Owen Beck looks confident

After a three-goal performance in his first AHL all-star challenge, Montreal Canadiens prospect Owen Beck entered Tuesday night's game on a mission.

Beck was disruptive on the forecheck, showing off a physical side to his game that will certainly be encouraged by Montreal Canadiens management going forward. I think the Habs have added talented players, but players like Owen Beck and Emil Heineman bring skill, smarts and a high level of intensity. I think it's plain to see that the first line struggles when Juraj Slafkovsky doesn't use his physical tools to his advantage and looks like a top-20 first-line in the NHL.

With NHL executives telling him to bring more physicality to his game, the advantages of listening were on full display. Beck doesn't take it easy on opposing puck carriers, utilizing a blend of quick footspeed, a smart defensive stick and bone crunching hits. The 20-year-old plays a very mature two-way game, and I expect him to score goals in the NHL.

Beck's official game sheet says that he registered two shots against San Jose Sharks goaltender Alexandar Georgiev. He was around the net, and always in the right spot to capitalize on quick plays. He also recorded three hits, one a reverse hit that embarrassed his opponent.

The kid is stout, and though he isn't known as a big body, he isn't going to get pushed around. Beck arriving this season or next, and Heineman a year older is going to dramatically improve the Canadiens. That's without mentioning Oliver Kapanen, who will be in the mix next year.

I think the team is going to be very talented and very young soon. So, the narrative sometimes that having veterans is totally necessary, I don't fully agree with. I understand in some circumstances that, there is real importance, but I think the best player for the spot deserves it, regardless of their age.

Sure they are struggling lately, and Juraj Slafkovsky's struggles have caused a real hit to the offence. But it's best to keep in mind that the Canadiens have players who aren't with the team yet but will improve the team by leaps and bounds. Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage alone will improve the forward core dramatically, and there are a few other forwards that will challenge for bottom-six roles.

Michael Pezzetta's time with the Canadiens has likely come to an end since what he brought to the lineup was a heavy-hitting game. But a guy like Beck, and certainly Heineman both deserve to be in the lineup over Pezzetta. Right now there isn't a spot for him, and there are a couple of legitimate bottom-six potential forwards developing in Laval.

Beck is just one reason to be excited for the future, amidst what was a five-game winless streak for the Canadiens. Jake Evans and Joel Armia have been mentioned as a trade package, and that isn't possible without the Habs forward depth. Beck can play the rest of the season with the Canadiens without any issues, and Heineman should slot back into the lineup when he is healthy.

The next wave also features Florian Xhekaj and Luke Tuch who will bring an edge, and some attitude to the Habs' bottom six. Laval's physical forward duo are difficult to play against - sort of like Stone Cold Steve Austin - just the hockey version. Showing grace with their masterpiece body checks, and I'm sure plenty of pleasantries between and after the referee blows his whistle.

I think Cayden Primeau is an AHL goalie

It's easy to be wrong about NHL goaltenders, and even give up early on one, when the results aren't coming. The Ottawa Senators traded Ben Bishop, and Stanley Cup-winning goaltenders playing on a new team the following season. But the case of Cayden Primeau feels like one that isn't going to be entertained in the Canadiens crease anymore.

Even a broken clock is right twice a day, so while there is a chance that Primeau develops into an NHL starter, it feels less likely after each season. I hope that this 8-0 stretch with the Rocket helps him regain his confidence, and help the Rocket through a deep playoff run. He deserves it, and his work ethic has never been questioned, but the confidence in the AHL, is replaced by shakiness in the NHL.

It is impressive what he has done, and I hope that it continues; Primeau's success only helps the organization. A decision will need to be made, but that is because there is so much quality in the goaltender pool for the Habs. Jacob Fowler is likely another season away from playing in Montreal, but Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembeault have the crease secured.

Primeau has quite the battle on his hands, but the benefit that an improvement in his play is that other teams will come calling. Quality goaltenders are coveted, because you need a reliable guy who can play a lot. Goalies get paid now, and that is deserved when you consider how important goaltending is in the trenches of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

At 25 years old, Primeau is the same age as Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. The Vegas Golden Knights drafted Suzuki 17th overall, and Primeau was selected in the same draft 199th overall. Suzuki is in his prime right now, but for a goalie, the prime years are often a few years later than the other positions.