Prospect Info: Owen Beck

[ChesterNimitz]

Another good night for Beck, first star, 1 g 1 a +3 & 15/24 FOW

Had a chance to watch Beck play against Sudbury and this is my brief assessment.

Overall: Beck was the best player on the ice as he played in all game situations: power play, penalty killing and 4 on 4. It was a dominating performance as Beck created multiple scoring chances. Beck was credited with 6 shots on net but he directed at least 10 high chance shots towards the Wolves' net. He also took most important face-offs, including the final face-off in the Petes' zone with the Sudbury goaltender out for an extra attacker. Beck won the faceoff which helped preserve his team's victory.

Strengths: Beck's game is built around his strong skating ability. Beck has excellent acceleration, and while not a fluid skater, possess an economical , powerful stride, great balance and is very strong on his skates. Beck has the ability to skate the puck from end to end and his speed forces defenders to back off or he will just power by then. He also has a powerful shot and is one of the few players that can shoot effectively off the rush often overpowering opposing goalies. Similar to many top forwards, Beck plays the half boards on the power play and does not hesitate (a la Caufield) to shoot at every opportunity he gets. He sees the ice well and suffers a bit from the lack of talent among his line mates who often cannot take advantage of the options presented by Beck's skating. Beck also plays a physical game and has no hesitation in going into the corners and using his superior strength on his skates to win puck battles. Beck's a smart hockey player, who understands the game and his ability to influence same.

Future: Beck should play for Canada at the upcoming WJC and will challenge for a roster spot in Montreal as early as next year. This kid has every trait necessary to play and star in the NHL. Great pick who should be a mainstay for Montreal for the next 10 years.

 

[Scriptor]

Had a chance to watch Beck play against Sudbury and this is my brief assessment.

Overall: Beck was the best player on the ice as he played in all game situations: power play, penalty killing and 4 on 4. It was a dominating performance as Beck created multiple scoring chances. Beck was credited with 6 shots on net but he directed at least 10 high chance shots towards the Wolves' net. He also took most important face-offs, including the final face-off in the Petes' zone with the Sudbury goaltender out for an extra attacker. Beck won the faceoff which helped preserve his team's victory.

Strengths: Beck's game is built around his strong skating ability. Beck has excellent acceleration, and while not a fluid skater, possess an economical , powerful stride and is very strong on his skates. Beck has the ability to skate the puck from end to end and his speed forces defenders to back off or he will just power by then. He also has a powerful shot and is one of the few players that can shoot effectively off the rush often overpowering opposing goalies. Similar to many top forwards, Beck plays the half boards on the power play and does not hesitate (a la Caufield) to shoot at every opportunity he gets. He sees the ice well and suffers a bit from the lack of talent among his line mates who often cannot take advantage of the options presented by Beck's skating. Beck also plays a physical game and has no hesitation in going into the corners and using his superior strength on his skates to win puck battles. Beck's a smart hockey player, who understands the game and his ability to influence same.

Future: Beck should play for Canada at the upcoming WJC and will challenge for a roster spot in Montreal as early as next year. This kid has every trait necessary to play and star in the NHL. Great pick who should be a mainstay for Montreal for the next 10 years.

Fourth line, to start? Third line? 2nd line, two-way, shutdown upside?

Maybe Dach returns to the wing coming off his knee injury?

Could we end up seeing Beck on a 2nd line?

Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
Slafkovsky - Beck - Roy
Newhook - Monahan - Anderson
RHP - Dvorsky - Ylonen/Gallagher

 

[malcb33]

Had a chance to watch Beck play against Sudbury and this is my brief assessment.

Overall: Beck was the best player on the ice as he played in all game situations: power play, penalty killing and 4 on 4. It was a dominating performance as Beck created multiple scoring chances. Beck was credited with 6 shots on net but he directed at least 10 high chance shots towards the Wolves' net. He also took most important face-offs, including the final face-off in the Petes' zone with the Sudbury goaltender out for an extra attacker. Beck won the faceoff which helped preserve his team's victory.

Strengths: Beck's game is built around his strong skating ability. Beck has excellent acceleration, and while not a fluid skater, possess an economical , powerful stride, great balance and is very strong on his skates. Beck has the ability to skate the puck from end to end and his speed forces defenders to back off or he will just power by then. He also has a powerful shot and is one of the few players that can shoot effectively off the rush often overpowering opposing goalies. Similar to many top forwards, Beck plays the half boards on the power play and does not hesitate (a la Caufield) to shoot at every opportunity he gets. He sees the ice well and suffers a bit from the lack of talent among his line mates who often cannot take advantage of the options presented by Beck's skating. Beck also plays a physical game and has no hesitation in going into the corners and using his superior strength on his skates to win puck battles. Beck's a smart hockey player, who understands the game and his ability to influence same.

Future: Beck should play for Canada at the upcoming WJC and will challenge for a roster spot in Montreal as early as next year. This kid has every trait necessary to play and star in the NHL. Great pick who should be a mainstay for Montreal for the next 10 years.

That’s quite a glowing review. I respect your opinion's, and in recent memory I don’t recall you being as positive towards other prospects.

 

[Redux91]

Fourth line, to start? Third line? 2nd line, two-way, shutdown upside?

Maybe Dach returns to the wing coming off his knee injury?

Could we end up seeing Beck on a 2nd line?

Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
Slafkovsky - Beck - Roy
Newhook - Monahan - Anderson
RHP - Dvorsky - Ylonen/Gallagher

3rd. Line. C.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

3rd. Line. C.

Yep. Unless we get Cellebrini. Then he’s a fourth and we’ll win a cup.

 

[DAChampion]

Yep. Unless we get Cellebrini. Then he’s a fourth and we’ll win a cup.

I assume that Celebrini would start as third line center, and eventually push Dach or Suzuki to wing.

I'd prefer to see Beck in Laval next year either way.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I assume that Celebrini would start as third line center, and eventually push Dach or Suzuki to wing.

I'd prefer to see Beck in Laval next year either way.

Imagine Cellebrini, Suzuki, Dach and Beck down the middle as part of our future core. Insane. With Slaf,CC,Newhook and Roy… it would have real potential.

One superstar at center would make all the difference. Our blueline is in good shape already. Honestly a lot of the pieces are already there.

 

[DAChampion]

Imagine Cellebrini, Suzuki, Dach and Beck down the middle as part of our future core. Insane. With Slaf,CC,Newhook and Roy… it would have real potential.

One superstar at center would make all the difference. Our blueline is in good shape already. Honestly a lot of the pieces are already there.

Add a big fish acquired by trade or a UFA signing lle Nylander.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

That’s quite a glowing review. I respect your opinion's, and in recent memory I don’t recall you being as positive towards other prospects.

Thank you for your kind comments.

I have been following the Canadiens for over sixty years and while being an ardent fan, I'm not a blind cheerleader. I have, over the last half century, seen countless, over touted prospects come and go from Junior Langlois and Fran Huck to Petr Svoboda and Corey Locke. Some, to me, were clearly never going to have any impact in the NHL. Others, surprised me, both positively and negatively. I try to pierce through all the hype and reach my own conclusions. I try to avoid reliance on mere statistics and metrics and try assessing a young player on simply how he plays and his relative impact on the ice. I studiously avoid adopting the prevailing consensus. And now, as an Executive Director of a large amateur sports organization, which includes selecting teams that play at national level midget-aged hockey championships, I do it professionally. But no one has a crystal ball.

I have commented on a number of Montreal prospects providing my opinion as to their respective potential. It appears that my opinions, on occasion, have offended some on this board. These are not motherhood issues just the musings of a quickly aging observer. As for Beck, he meets my eye test as he possesses all the attributes necessary for a player to succeed in the NHL today: strong skating, high skills, advanced hockey IQ and a high compete level. And he plays with a smile. This kid is going to make it. I can't say the same for all other prospects that are so hotly debated here. But you never know. No one, as I noted above, has that proverbial crystal ball. That's what makes this all so much fun. So everyone should just relax and enjoy the game. You'll live longer.

 

[Rapala]

I assume that Celebrini would start as third line center, and eventually push Dach or Suzuki to wing.

I'd prefer to see Beck in Laval next year either way.

I wouldn't.

If he is as polished as Guhle was when he graduated there is no purpose in sending him to the AHL He'll get all the development time he needs here.

I'm betting a healthy Beck will make it impossible to send him down which is perfect.

If he doesn't own the role then sure.

 

[Redux91]

I wouldn't.

If he is as polished as Guhle was when he graduated there is no purpose in sending him to the AHL He'll get all the development time he needs here.

I'm betting a healthy Beck will make it impossible to send him down which is perfect.

If he doesn't own the role then sure.

I suspect they trade Monahan at TDL and Trade Dvorak in offseason
And I suspect they give the 'role' to Evans/Beck and see who claims 3C for their own yeah

 

[DAChampion]

I wouldn't.

If he is as polished as Guhle was when he graduated there is no purpose in sending him to the AHL He'll get all the development time he needs here.

I'm betting a healthy Beck will make it impossible to send him down which is perfect.

If he doesn't own the role then sure.

There's a large enough jump between OHL and AHL that he should be challenged.

I also think that at his age, 1st line in the AHL is preferable to 4th line in Montreal.

But if he's as good as you say, he'll jump up.

 

[Rob Sense]

Fourth line, to start? Third line? 2nd line, two-way, shutdown upside?

Maybe Dach returns to the wing coming off his knee injury?

Could we end up seeing Beck on a 2nd line?

Caufield - Suzuki - Dach
Slafkovsky - Beck - Roy
Newhook - Monahan - Anderson
RHP - Dvorsky - Ylonen/Gallagher

when did we acquire Dvorsky?

 

[ChesterNimitz]

when did we acquire Dvorsky?

Who looked good last night against the Petes. Not as good as Beck though.

 

[CristianoRonaldo]

Barely ppg in D+2 what's the issue ?

Edit: Slow start and a defensive team.

 

[ArtPeur]

Barely ppg in D+2 what's the issue ?

He's probably a Danault type of player

 

[CristianoRonaldo]

He's probably a Danault type of player

I would be happy with that, if he's not playing with our best wingers.

 

[Redux91]

Barely ppg in D+2 what's the issue ?

Issue? Lol , what issue are you referring to by chance? That he isn't 2PPG?
Do people actually not get who and what he is..? What he is projected to be?

 

[CristianoRonaldo]

Issue? Lol , what issue are you referring to by chance? That he isn't 2PPG?
Do people actually not get who and what he is..? What he is projected to be?

Even future 3rd liners were/are productive in junior hockey.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Add a big fish acquired by trade or a UFA signing lle Nylander.

A big superstar would really really help.

 

[Redux91]

Even future 3rd liners were/are productive in junior hockey.

And he's...being productive?

 

[CristianoRonaldo]

And he's...being productive?

Not like you would expect from a D+2 player, he's barely PPG... Apparently he has great stats lately and he started slowly.

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

Barely ppg in D+2 what's the issue ?

Edit: Slow start and a defensive team.

Yeah he’s picked it up of late. Hope he can keep it going and doesn’t go in that mid season rut like last year.

I don’t know if I believe in big production from him but man he can snipe it off the rush. He’s got some very good tools

 

[Andy]

Danault had 62 points in 56 games in his d+2. Only 22 goals.

Just to put things into perspective. Personally, I don’t see a lot of offense there, but the type of game he plays might translate into points a little differently at the nhl level.

 

[DAChampion]

Danault had 62 points in 56 games in his d+2. Only 22 goals.

Just to put things into perspective. Personally, I don’t see a lot of offense there, but the type of game he plays might translate into points a little differently at the nhl level.

Well, Beck has a substantially higher goals to assists ratio, and regardless, Danault's offense is pretty good for such a defensively strong forward.