A limited skill, 4th line forward should score about 8 goals from tapping in rebounds, deflecting a shot in, puck bouncing off helmet into net.
Add speed and a legit shot then add in another 5-6 goals off rushes.
And the kid is a basic passer but works hard and is smart ?
Sounds a lot like Danault.
He isn't going to be just a 4th line C. My belief is he is a terrific 3C or a 2C. It will take a few years but I think he is a prospect with promise.
I was able to catch the Saginaw Spirit's game against Guelph last night and here are my comments:
I though Beck played an effective, efficient game and was one of the more notable players on the ice. I can tell you that the Guelph announcers have a very high opinion of Beck's level of play and commented that Montreal, with Suzuki and Beck, will soon have a strong pair of centers going forward. Beck showed speed, vision and his usual high compete / motor. He had 6 shots, with some puck-luck could have had a couple of goals and made the important play in the waning seconds of the game that allowed the Spirit to tie up the game with their goalie pulled for an extra attacker.
I really can't understand the Saginaw coaching staff's use of Beck. Early in the game, they didn't even have him on the first power play unit. But when the Spirit fell behind, they were double shifting Beck on the Power Play and he played most of the overtime period. Makes absolutely no sense to me.
The more I watch Beck play, the more I see a # 2 center. I fully agree with the Guelph announcers, who stated with a level of certainty that Beck will be a main offensive player for the Canadiens in the future. He certainly has all the tools. And the attitude. This kid is a born leader.
Other notes: With Montreal having Winnipeg's first round draft choices I always take the opportunity to scout those players who should be available at the lower portion of the first round. One of these players is
Jeff Luchanko, of the Guelph Storm. This kid, who has a late August 2006 birthdate, is 5' 11" and, 183 Lbs., has scored 20 goals and 69 points so far, has great hand skills and was one of the fastest players on the ice. If he falls to us, he's a player I would take in a second. He will be an offensive star at the next level.
I was also very impressed with Vancouver's draftee,
Vilmer Alrikson. This kid is 6 ' 6" can skate like the wind, is physical and has excellent hand skills. He took a penalty late in the game that will probably get him suspended, but if you like Florian Xhekaj, then Alrikson is FX on steroids.. The Canucks stole this kid in the 5th round.