Montreal Canadiens training camp promises to be one with plenty of storylines, headlined by all of the positional battles.
Headlined by the surplus of defenders that have the potential to play in the NHL, Canadiens management will have plenty of tough decisions to make. But the forward core battles might not be so competitive, since the top six are all complete, minus one forward. It will come down to a couple of different names, but one thing can be certain, there will be a competitive group of forwards along with some players that go to Laval but aren't far from their chance with the Habs.
Owen Beck, in my opinion, could be a great choice for a chance with the Canadiens, which would save the Habs lots of money. On his entry-level deal, he will save the Habs money compared to what they would spend on Christian Dvorak or Jake Evans. I would expect that if Beck impresses at camp and cracks the roster, then one of Dvorak or Evans will be the odd man out.
Owen Beck on the cusp of NHL role?
Not only has Beck played an NHL game where he didn't look out of place, but he has consistently been one of the top defensive forwards in the Ontario Hockey League since his rookie season in 2021-22. So, while he has only one game of professional hockey experience under his belt, his game is tailor made for the pro game. He plays a responsible game, uses his speed to exploit openings and his prowess in the faceoff dot is impressive for a 20-year-old.
Offensively he will likely top out as a third line centre, maybe something like a Phil Danault, who excels away from the puck. I don't necessarily know that he will be as good as Danault, who was brilliant with the Habs and has been a great piece for the Los Angeles Kings. But it's more the way that he impacts the game without the puck on his stick, pestering on the backcheck, forcing turnover and creating odd-man rushes.
I would have to think that alongside a couple of veteran wingers, Beck would excel in the Canadiens bottom six.