Owen Beck was likely disappointed to learn he did not make the team out of training camp, but it only took five games before the Montreal Canadiens recalled him. The injury bug has not been kind to the Canadiens at the start of this season. With the team already down Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov on offence, Florian Xhekaj picked up an undisclosed injury, forcing Montreal’s hand to call up Beck.
Despite the Laval Rocket’s hot 3-1 start to the season, Beck has just one point in those games. Beck deserved to be the first player recalled after his strong training camp, but after the slow start, he needed a boost of confidence to get his season going. Unfortunately, his season debut did little to change that.
Not the start Beck hoped
The Canadiens have many questions surrounding their offence. Kapanen missing the start of the season has only raised concerns about Montreal’s second-line centre issue. When Demidov went down, Kirby Dach got an opportunity to show his value to the team. Dach did not step up like the Canadiens hoped, recording a single assist through three games and averaging the lowest ice time of any player who has played all six games. With Dach continuing to struggle, Beck could become an option for Montreal if they do decide to move on from the former third-overall pick.
While injuries are never ideal, dealing with them this early in the season gives the Canadiens an opportunity to evaluate their options before making decisions about the rest of the year. Montreal's injuries gave Beck an opportunity earlier than he probably expected. While the Canadiens beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-3 in a shootout, Beck’s performance did not leave Montreal questioning whether they need to make space in their lineup for him.
Beck did not play his natural position at centre, instead lining up on the wing alongside Dach and Jake Evans on Montreal's fourth line. Beck did not get many opportunities to showcase his abilities, playing just 10 shifts and being limited to 6:59 of ice time, with Dach receiving the next-lowest ice time at 9:40. He was on the ice for the Sabres' first goal of the game, and while he did not directly lead to the goal, the Canadiens looked disorganized as they tried to regroup following a dump-in.
Both Beck and Evans went to cover the front of the net, leaving Buffalo’s Owen Zellweger alone at the blueline as he gave his team the lead just 2:16 into the first period. Beck settled into the game afterwards, finishing with a blocked shot and two hits, but the lack of playing time limited his impact on the game.
Beck’s role going forward
It is tough to come to any conclusions about Beck’s future this season with just 6:59 of playing time, but it seems that as soon as one of Kapanen, Demidov, or Xhekaj is ready to return to the lineup, he will be sent back down to Laval. It will not be his last opportunity to show he can play in the NHL, but with the way the Canadiens used him against the Sabres, it is clear that the coaching staff does not trust him yet in close games late.
He could get another opportunity if Montreal's injured forwards remain sidelined, but he will likely end up back in Laval. The game probably did not do much to raise his confidence, but instead could act as a reminder to continue working because he will want to be ready the next time the Canadiens call his number.
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