For one game. Do you think he is ready to do that at the NHL level for 82 games?
I have watched this kid closely since he was drafted and have posted about him on numerous occasions including reviewing his performances after most Laval games.
When interested, Beck dominates most shifts in the AHL with his explosive speed, play making and shooting ability. He also plays a physical game.
Against a quick Hurricane team, Beck more than held his own and on two occasions beat an opposing defenceman wide. He made several good passes, showed his excellent shot off the rush and read the play well (both offensively and defensively). Above all, he was noticeable playing against NHL talent.
The one thing that I was concerned about in watching Beck over the years was his stamina. Last night, I saw no depreciable drop-off in Beck’s level of play / energy towards the end of his shifts.
While playing any level of professional hockey will be of some benefit to a young player, I think Beck’s level of development has reached such an advanced stage that he will gain much more playing against superior players at the NHL level than playing against lesser players in the AHL.
Beck is here to stay. Or at least he should be.